1981 Fiat 131 vs. 2002 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 2002 Toyota Soarer is newer by 21 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 4,292 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Soarer (276 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 670 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, 2002 Toyota Soarer, 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, 2002 Toyota Soarer (430 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 2002 Toyota Soarer 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. 2002 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 2002 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 131 | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 4292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
