1974 Fiat 131 vs. 2012 Seat Altea
To start off, 2012 Seat Altea is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 131 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 84 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Altea weights approximately 425 kg more than 1974 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Fiat 131. 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 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 2012 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Fiat | Seat |
| Model | 131 | Altea |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
