1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 2012 Seat Leon
To start off, 2012 Seat Leon is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Seat Leon (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Leon weights approximately 976 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 1000 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 1959 Abarth 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Seat Leon, 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, 2012 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 2012 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Abarth | Seat |
| Model | 1000 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
