1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Seat 131
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 19 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (134 HP) has 81 more horse power than 1978 Seat 131. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 Seat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 385 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Seat 131. (94 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Seat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Seat |
| Model | 156 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2500 mm |
