1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Seat Leon
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Seat Leon (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 839 kg more than 2005 Seat Leon.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Seat |
| Model | S | Leon |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2215 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2520 mm |
