1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 1988 Ford Fairlane 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 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Fairlane (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 525 kg more than 1981 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 1981 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Fairlane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Fairlane | 131 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2500 mm |
