1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 7 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 430 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 131 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2670 mm |
