1990 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 12 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 249 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (264 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 164 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1429 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2500 mm |
