1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 3 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass (124 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 160 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, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass (203 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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. 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Fiat | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 131 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2640 mm |
