1984 Fiat 131 vs. 1997 Honda Civic
To start off, 1997 Honda Civic is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,832 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1984 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1984 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Civic weights approximately 144 kg more than 1984 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic, 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, 1997 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Fiat 131 | 1997 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 131 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1832 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
