1996 BMW 540 vs. 1981 Seat 131
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Seat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Seat 131 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP) has 229 more horse power than 1981 Seat 131. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1981 Seat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 850 kg more than 1981 Seat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 346 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Seat 131. (94 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Seat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1981 Seat 131 | |
| Make | BMW | Seat |
| Model | 540 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2500 mm |
