1968 Lotus Europa vs. 2005 Seat Altea
To start off, 2005 Seat Altea is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Seat Altea (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Altea weights approximately 820 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Lotus Europa 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 1968 Lotus Europa. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Seat Altea (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 2005 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Europa | Altea |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
