1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1981 Seat 131
To start off, 1981 Seat 131 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Lotus Elite (71 HP) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Seat 131. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1981 Seat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Seat 131 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1959 Lotus Elite (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Seat 131. (94 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1959 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Seat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1981 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elite | 131 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2500 mm |
