1981 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 28 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 69 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, 2009 Honda Civic, 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, 2009 Honda Civic (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 2009 Honda Civic 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. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 131 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2660 mm |
