1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1996 Peugeot 605
To start off, 1996 Peugeot 605 is newer by 15 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Peugeot 605 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Peugeot 605 (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Peugeot 605 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Peugeot 605 weights approximately 335 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, 1996 Peugeot 605, 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, 1996 Peugeot 605 (179 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Peugeot 605 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1996 Peugeot 605 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 131 | 605 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2810 mm |
