1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,367 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona.
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, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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, 1981 Fiat 131 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona. 1982 Opel Ascona 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. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 131 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2580 mm |
