Italy vs Italy — 1971 vs 1976
| 130 Coupe | Abarth 131 Rally | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 165 hp | 140 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 130 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,235 cc | 1,995 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.8 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 122 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.2 sec | — |
| Weight | 3,219 lbs | 2,380 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | 2,530 mm |
| Length | 4,740 mm | 4,409 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,292 | 400 |
| Original MSRP | — | $9,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | — |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Fiat 130 Coupe brings more power, higher top speed to the table, and the 1976 Fiat Abarth 131 Rally answers with lighter weight, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Fiat has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1971 Fiat 130 Coupe with the 1976 Fiat Abarth 131 Rally highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1971 Fiat 130 Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 165 hp compared to 140 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Fiat 130 uses a V6 DOHC displacing 3,235 cc, while the Fiat Abarth 131 Rally relies on a Inline-4 with 1,995 cc. The 1971 Fiat 130 Coupe claims a higher top speed at 122 mph compared to 115 mph. The Fiat Abarth 131 Rally carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 839 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 400 units built, the 1976 Fiat Abarth 131 Rally is considerably scarcer than the Fiat 130's 4,292 examples.