2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 23 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1979 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131. 1979 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 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:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Fiat |
| Model | 156 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2500 mm |
