1979 Fiat 131 vs. 2008 Honda Element
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 29 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131.
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, 2008 Honda Element, 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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131. 2008 Honda Element 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. 2008 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 2008 Honda Element | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 131 | Element |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2580 mm |
