1986 Fiat Panda vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1986 Fiat Panda is newer by 8 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 @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1986 Fiat Panda. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1986 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1986 Fiat Panda. 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, 1986 Fiat Panda, 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Fiat Panda. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Fiat Panda. 1978 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1986 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 1986 Fiat Panda 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:
| 1986 Fiat Panda | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | Panda | 131 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1302 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 20.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2500 mm |
