1979 Fiat 131 vs. 2012 Volvo S60
To start off, 2012 Volvo S60 is newer by 33 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo S60 (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo S60 weights approximately 519 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 2012 Volvo S60 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Fiat 131. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S60 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Volvo S60 (440 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131. 2012 Volvo S60 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. 2012 Volvo S60 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 2012 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 131 | S60 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1729 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2776 mm |
