1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
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 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Volkswagen Passat (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2480 mm |
