1996 Fiat 131 vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1996 Fiat 131 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 131. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 775 kg more than 1996 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Fiat 131. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (373 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 131 | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Fiat | Plymouth |
| Model | 131 | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2700 mm |
