1979 Simca 1308 vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, both 1979 Simca 1308 and 1979 Fiat 131 were released in the same year (1979). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Fiat 131 (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1979 Simca 1308. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1979 Simca 1308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1979 Simca 1308. 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, 1979 Simca 1308, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Simca 1308. (107 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Simca 1308. 1979 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1979 Simca 1308 has manual transmission. 1979 Simca 1308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Simca 1308 | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Simca | Fiat |
| Model | 1308 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1292 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 107 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.7 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2500 mm |
