2009 Dodge Charger vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger is newer by 31 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 3,518 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Charger (250 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Charger weights approximately 502 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, 2009 Dodge Charger (339 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2009 Dodge Charger 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. 2009 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Dodge | Fiat |
| Model | Charger | 131 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3518 cc | 2444 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2500 mm |
