1981 Fiat 131 vs. 2008 Seat Altea
To start off, 2008 Seat Altea is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Seat Altea (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Altea weights approximately 270 kg more than 1981 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Seat Altea, 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, 2008 Seat Altea (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 2008 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Fiat | Seat |
| Model | 131 | Altea |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2590 mm |
