1981 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2006 Seat Altea
To start off, 2006 Seat Altea is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2006 Seat Altea. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2006 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 130 kg more than 2006 Seat Altea. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Seat Altea, 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, 2006 Seat Altea (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | 2006 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Seat |
| Model | S | Altea |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2590 mm |
