1978 Seat 131 vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Seat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Seat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (89 HP) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Seat 131. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1978 Seat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo S40 weights approximately 66 kg more than 1978 Seat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Seat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40, 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (177 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Seat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Seat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Seat 131 | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Seat | Volvo |
| Model | 131 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 89 HP |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1164 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2560 mm |
