1982 Fiat 131 vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1982 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Fiat 131 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat 131 | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | 131 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2310 mm |
