1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1974 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Fairlane (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 347 kg more than 1981 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, 1974 Ford Fairlane (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1974 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2950 mm |
