1985 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (59 HP) has 20 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. (75 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Polo. 1978 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1985 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1985 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Volkswagen Polo | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Fiat |
| Model | Polo | 131 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1043 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 75 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2500 mm |
