1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 1988 Dodge Spirit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Dodge Spirit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat 131 (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1988 Dodge Spirit. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1988 Dodge Spirit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 149 kg more than 1981 Fiat 131.
Because 1981 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 1981 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit, 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, 1988 Dodge Spirit (183 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Spirit | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Dodge | Fiat |
| Model | Spirit | 131 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2500 mm |
