1981 Honda Civic vs. 1974 Seat 131
To start off, 1981 Honda Civic is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Seat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Seat 131 would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Seat 131 (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Seat 131 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Seat 131 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Seat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Civic, 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, 1974 Seat 131 (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Seat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 1974 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Honda | Seat |
| Model | Civic | 131 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2500 mm |
