1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Seat Leon
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2005 Seat Leon. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2005 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Leon weights approximately 308 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Esprit. 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Esprit | Leon |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 11.2 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 | 1068 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
