1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1964 Volvo 120
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Volvo 120 (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1964 Volvo 120.
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, 1964 Volvo 120 (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1964 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1964 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 131 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2610 mm |
