1981 Fiat 131 vs. 2006 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2006 Ford Mondeo is newer by 25 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Mondeo (154 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 418 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, 2006 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2006 Ford Mondeo (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 2006 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.4:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2760 mm |
