2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1978 Seat 131
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 27 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP) has 184 more horse power than 1978 Seat 131. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1978 Seat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Seat 131 weights approximately 234 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
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 Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Seat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Seat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1978 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Exige | 131 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2500 mm |
