1979 Fiat 131 vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 500 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (364 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 131 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2660 mm |
