1979 Fiat 131 vs. 1997 Opel Frontera
To start off, 1997 Opel Frontera is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Opel Frontera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Opel Frontera (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Opel Frontera should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Opel Frontera weights approximately 619 kg more than 1979 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Opel Frontera is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Fiat 131. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Opel Frontera will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Opel Frontera (203 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Opel Frontera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 1997 Opel Frontera | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 131 | Frontera |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1639 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2710 mm |
