1998 Lotus 340 R vs. 2009 Seat Altea
To start off, 2009 Seat Altea is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus 340 R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus 340 R would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus 340 R (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2009 Seat Altea. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus 340 R should accelerate faster than 2009 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Seat Altea weights approximately 517 kg more than 1998 Lotus 340 R.
Because 1998 Lotus 340 R 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 1998 Lotus 340 R. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Seat Altea (200 Nm) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus 340 R. (198 Nm). This means 2009 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus 340 R. 2009 Seat Altea has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus 340 R has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus 340 R will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Seat Altea will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus 340 R | 2009 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | 340 R | Altea |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
