1980 Fiat 131 vs. 1978 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1980 Fiat 131 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chrysler 1609 (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1980 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, 1978 Chrysler 1609 (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 131. 1978 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1980 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1980 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 131 | 1978 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Fiat | Chrysler |
| Model | 131 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2670 mm |
