2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 670 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131. 1979 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 21 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2500 mm |
