1988 Lancia Thema vs. 1976 Seat 131
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Seat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Seat 131 would be higher. Both 1988 Lancia Thema and 1976 Seat 131 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1976 Seat 131. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1976 Seat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 270 kg more than 1976 Seat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Seat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema, 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, 1988 Lancia Thema (184 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Seat 131. (178 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Seat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 1976 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Lancia | Seat |
| Model | Thema | 131 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2500 mm |
