1962 Honda S500 vs. 2012 Seat Altea
To start off, 2012 Seat Altea is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Seat Altea (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Altea weights approximately 710 kg more than 1962 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Honda S500 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 1962 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Seat Altea (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 2012 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Honda | Seat |
| Model | S500 | Altea |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
