1979 Fiat 131 vs. 1999 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1999 Ford Mustang is newer by 20 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Mustang (256 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Mustang weights approximately 272 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Ford Mustang (406 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 1999 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1482 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2580 mm |
