1978 Lada 1200 vs. 1981 Seat 131
To start off, 1981 Seat 131 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lada 1200 (59 HP) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Seat 131. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lada 1200 should accelerate faster than 1981 Seat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Seat 131 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1978 Lada 1200.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Seat 131 (94 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Seat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lada 1200 | 1981 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Lada | Seat |
| Model | 1200 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2500 mm |
