2006 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 27 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, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 56 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, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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, 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Fiat |
| Model | Cobalt | 131 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.5 mm | 90 mm |
| 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 | 1266 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2500 mm |
