1983 Fiat 131 vs. 1974 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1983 Fiat 131 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,367 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Fiat 131 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Fiat 131 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1983 Fiat 131 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat 131 | 1974 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2590 mm |
