1988 Citroen BX vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 1988 Citroen BX is newer by 9 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, both vehicles can yield 71 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1988 Citroen BX.
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, 1988 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen BX. (110 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen BX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Citroen BX | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | BX | 131 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2500 mm |
