2001 Cadillac XLR vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 2001 Cadillac XLR is newer by 23 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Cadillac XLR (316 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 464 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Cadillac XLR (401 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2001 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Cadillac XLR | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Fiat |
| Model | XLR | 131 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 2444 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 316 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2500 mm |
