1983 Fiat 131 vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1983 Fiat 131 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Cougar (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1983 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 525 kg more than 1983 Fiat 131. 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat 131 | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 131 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2860 mm |
