1979 Fiat 131 vs. 1998 Toyota Caldina
To start off, 1998 Toyota Caldina is newer by 19 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 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota Caldina (255 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota Caldina should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota Caldina weights approximately 260 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 1998 Toyota Caldina 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, 1998 Toyota Caldina 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, 1998 Toyota Caldina (324 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota Caldina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131. 1998 Toyota Caldina has automatic transmission and 1979 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1979 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Toyota Caldina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 1998 Toyota Caldina | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 131 | Caldina |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
