1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 Seat Leon

To start off, 2008 Seat Leon is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2008 Seat Leon. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Leon weights approximately 253 kg more than 1984 Lotus Esprit.

Because 1984 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 1984 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Seat Leon. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Seat Leon.

Compare all specifications:

1984 Lotus Esprit 2008 Seat Leon
Make Lotus Seat
Model Esprit Leon
Year Released 1984 2008
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 2174 cc 1595 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 158 HP 102 HP
Engine RPM 6500 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 217 Nm 148 Nm
Torque RPM 5000 RPM 3800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 95.3 mm 81 mm
Engine Stroke Size 76.2 mm 77.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.5:1 10.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Acceleration 0-100mph 7 seconds 11.7 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 1320 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 9.3 L/100km 7.5 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 31 L 55 L