1976 Seat 131 vs. 1996 Seat Marbella
To start off, 1996 Seat Marbella is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Seat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Seat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Seat 131 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1996 Seat Marbella. (40 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Seat 131 should accelerate faster than 1996 Seat Marbella. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Seat 131 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1996 Seat Marbella. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Seat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Seat Marbella, 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, 1976 Seat 131 (178 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Seat Marbella. (60 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1976 Seat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Seat Marbella.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Seat 131 | 1996 Seat Marbella | |
| Make | Seat | Seat |
| Model | 131 | Marbella |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2170 mm |
