1980 Fiat 131 vs. 1978 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1980 Fiat 131 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Fiat 131 (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (44 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Fiat 131 weights approximately 216 kg more than 1978 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Cherry, 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, 1980 Fiat 131 (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 131 | 1978 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 131 | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 804 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2400 mm |
