1979 Fiat 131 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 22 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 294 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 1979 Fiat 131 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 131 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2710 mm |
