1994 Fiat Punto vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1994 Fiat Punto is newer by 16 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, 1994 Fiat Punto (71 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Fiat Punto should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1994 Fiat Punto.
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, 1994 Fiat Punto, 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, 1994 Fiat Punto (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1994 Fiat Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1978 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1994 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 1994 Fiat Punto 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:
| 1994 Fiat Punto | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | Punto | 131 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 20.3:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2500 mm |
