1989 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1989 Ford Escort is newer by 11 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, 1989 Ford Escort (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131.
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, 1989 Ford Escort, 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort. 1978 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Escort 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:
1989 Ford Escort | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
Make | Ford | Fiat |
Model | Escort | 131 |
Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 74 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 109 Nm | 113 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 88 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2500 mm |