2003 Fiat Palio vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 2003 Fiat Palio is newer by 24 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Palio. (62 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Palio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2003 Fiat Palio. 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, 2003 Fiat Palio, 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Palio. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Palio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Palio | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | Palio | 131 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1251 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2500 mm |
