1981 Ferrari 512 BBi vs. 1974 Fiat 131
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi weights approximately 524 kg more than 1974 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, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131. 1974 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | 1974 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Fiat |
| Model | 512 BBi | 131 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1585 cc |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2500 mm |
