2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1974 Seat 131
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Seat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Seat 131 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1974 Seat 131. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1974 Seat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Seat 131 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Seat 131. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Seat 131. 1974 Seat 131 has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Seat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1974 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elise | 131 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2500 mm |
