1980 Fiat 131 vs. 1994 Mazda 323
To start off, 1994 Mazda 323 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,322 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda 323 (74 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 131. (64 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Fiat 131 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1994 Mazda 323.
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, 1994 Mazda 323 (103 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 131 | 1994 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 131 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1322 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2620 mm |
