1972 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Seat Leon
To start off, 2008 Seat Leon is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2008 Seat Leon. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 36 kg more than 2008 Seat Leon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 3 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 1972 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Seat Leon (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2008 Seat Leon | |
| Make | BMW | Seat |
| Model | 3 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2580 mm |
