1980 Fiat 131 vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner is newer by 24 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Mariner (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 550 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.
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, 2004 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2004 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 131. 2004 Mercury Mariner 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. 2004 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 131 | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 131 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
