1981 Pontiac 1000 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1981 Pontiac 1000 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac 1000 (64 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac 1000 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1981 Pontiac 1000.
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, 1978 Fiat 131 (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac 1000. 1978 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1981 Pontiac 1000 has manual transmission. 1981 Pontiac 1000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac 1000 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Fiat |
| Model | 1000 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2500 mm |
