2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1980 Seat 131
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Seat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Seat 131 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP) has 136 more horse power than 1980 Seat 131. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Seat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Seat 131 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Seat 131. (94 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Seat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1980 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elise | 131 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2500 mm |
