1969 Austin 1300 vs. 1974 Seat 131
To start off, 1974 Seat 131 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Austin 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Austin 1300 would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Seat 131 (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1969 Austin 1300. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Seat 131 should accelerate faster than 1969 Austin 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Seat 131 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1969 Austin 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Seat 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 1974 Seat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Austin 1300, 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, 1974 Seat 131 (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Austin 1300. (101 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1974 Seat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Austin 1300. 1974 Seat 131 has automatic transmission and 1969 Austin 1300 has manual transmission. 1969 Austin 1300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Seat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Austin 1300 | 1974 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Austin | Seat |
| Model | 1300 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2500 mm |
