Indeed the 1215 is 87-88 vintage, 12HP Briggs engine, and belt drive. This is a "lawn tractor" not the GT variety so is lighter duty.
The better units are the 1200 and 1250, 1282 or 682-782 that are the garden tractor version with shaft drive, sundstrand hydro, and single or dual cylinder Kohler engines. They are built heavier and can be found in the $5-800 range.
I would probably avoid the 1215 unless just need a light duty lawn mower. The issue would be parts for either model will be a similar cost so you might as well have a GT.