1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1990 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 9 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 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (175 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 190 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, 1990 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1990 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 | 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 131 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2670 mm |
