1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Seat Leon
To start off, 2012 Seat Leon is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 Seat Leon. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Leon weights approximately 288 kg more than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1983 Lotus Esprit 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 1983 Lotus Esprit. 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 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Esprit | Leon |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
