1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2004 Seat Leon
To start off, 2004 Seat Leon is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. Both 1981 Ford Fiesta and 2004 Seat Leon are equipped with a 1,598 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Seat Leon (104 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Seat Leon weights approximately 420 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2004 Seat Leon (149 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2004 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Ford | Seat |
| Model | Fiesta | Leon |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
