Italy vs Italy — 1936 vs 1976
| Topolino 500A Belvedere | Abarth 131 Rally | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 16 hp | 140 hp |
| Torque | 21 lb-ft | 130 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 1,995 cc |
| Top Speed | 53 mph | 115 mph |
| Weight | 1,179 lbs | 2,380 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,000 mm | 2,530 mm |
| Length | 3,215 mm | 4,409 mm |
| Units Produced | 519,646 | 400 |
| Original MSRP | — | $9,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $45,000 | — |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 8/10 |
The 1976 Fiat Abarth 131 Rally emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1936 Fiat Topolino 500A Belvedere counters with lighter weight, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The 1936 Fiat Topolino 500A Belvedere and 1976 Fiat Abarth 131 Rally share a manufacturer in Fiat, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Fiat brand. The 1976 Fiat Abarth 131 Rally holds a clear advantage in raw power with 140 hp compared to 16 hp, a 124-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Fiat Topolino uses a Inline-4 SV displacing 569 cc, while the Fiat Abarth 131 Rally relies on a Inline-4 with 1,995 cc. The 1976 Fiat Abarth 131 Rally claims a higher top speed at 115 mph compared to 53 mph. The Fiat Topolino carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1201 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 Topolino's 519,646 examples.