1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1959 MG MGA
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 MG MGA (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1959 MG MGA.
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 Fiat 131 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 MG MGA. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1959 MG MGA | |
| Make | Fiat | MG |
| Model | 131 | MGA |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2390 mm |
