1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 1090 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.
Because 1981 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 1981 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado, 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 410 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1981 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1981 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Fiat | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 131 | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3110 mm |
