1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 16 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 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 309 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 95 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 552 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 1997 Volkswagen W12 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. 1997 Volkswagen W12 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2550 mm |
