1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 8 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 405 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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. 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1989 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Fiat | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 131 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2830 mm |
