1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1979 Renault 5
To start off, 1981 Fiat 131 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Renault 5 (159 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1979 Renault 5.
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, 1979 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1979 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 131 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
