1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1978 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 185 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1978 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2560 mm |
