1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1990 Fiat Tempra
To start off, 1990 Fiat Tempra is newer by 12 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Fiat Tempra (64 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Fiat Tempra should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1990 Fiat Tempra.
Because 1978 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 1978 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Fiat Tempra, 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, 1990 Fiat Tempra (119 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Fiat Tempra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1990 Fiat Tempra | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 131 | Tempra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1929 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2500 mm |
