1980 Fiat 131 vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1980 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 131. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 1980 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1980 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 131 | 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Fiat | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 131 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2550 mm |
