1984 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 (93 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33.
Because 1981 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 1981 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33, 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, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 (130 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (110 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 33 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2500 mm |
