1985 Citroen BX vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 1985 Citroen BX is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Fiat 131 (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1985 Citroen BX. (62 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1985 Citroen BX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Citroen BX, 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen BX. (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen BX. 1979 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1985 Citroen BX has manual transmission. 1985 Citroen BX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen BX | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | BX | 131 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1359 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2500 mm |
