1996 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Fiat 131. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 1282 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 2009 Volkswagen T5 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, 2009 Volkswagen T5 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, 2009 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat 131 | 2009 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
