2005 Rover 45 vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 2005 Rover 45 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat 131 (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2005 Rover 45. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 2005 Rover 45. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Rover 45 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1981 Fiat 131.
Because 1981 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 1981 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Rover 45, 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, 1981 Fiat 131 (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Rover 45. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Rover 45. 1981 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2005 Rover 45 has manual transmission. 2005 Rover 45 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Rover 45 | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Rover | Fiat |
| Model | 45 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2500 mm |
