1979 Fiat 131 vs. 2005 Ford Bantam
To start off, 2005 Ford Bantam is newer by 26 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, 2005 Ford Bantam (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Bantam should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 174 kg more than 2005 Ford Bantam.
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, 2005 Ford Bantam, 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Bantam. (137 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Bantam.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 2005 Ford Bantam | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Bantam |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1036 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2620 mm |
