1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat 131 (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 26 kg more than 1981 Fiat 131.
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 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, 1984 Volkswagen Passat (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1984 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 | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 131 | Passat |
Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
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 | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 133 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 23.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1086 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2560 mm |