2000 Dodge Neon vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 2000 Dodge Neon is newer by 22 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 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Dodge Neon (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Dodge Neon should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 29 kg more than 2000 Dodge Neon.
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, 2000 Dodge Neon, 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, 2000 Dodge Neon (177 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2000 Dodge Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Dodge Neon | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Dodge | Fiat |
| Model | Neon | 131 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2444 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2500 mm |
