1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2000 Seat Leon
To start off, 2000 Seat Leon is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Seat Leon (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Seat Leon weights approximately 416 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Seat Leon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Seat Leon will offer significantly more control. 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, 2000 Seat Leon (270 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2000 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2000 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Esprit | Leon |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1483 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
