1979 Fiat 131 vs. 2006 Ford Freestar
To start off, 2006 Ford Freestar is newer by 27 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 3,898 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Freestar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Freestar (193 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Freestar weights approximately 505 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, 2006 Ford Freestar, 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, 2006 Ford Freestar (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Freestar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131. 2006 Ford Freestar 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. 2006 Ford Freestar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 2006 Ford Freestar | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Freestar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 3898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3070 mm |
