1983 Fiat 131 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1983 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 460 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.
Because 1983 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 1983 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (351 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat 131. 2005 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1983 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1983 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat 131 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2710 mm |
