1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2005 Seat Leon
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2005 Seat Leon. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 2005 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Leon weights approximately 48 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131.
Because 1978 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 1978 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Seat Leon, 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Seat Leon. (120 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Seat Leon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Fiat | Seat |
| Model | 131 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2470 mm |
