1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Seat Leon
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2005 Seat Leon. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 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 201 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1990 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 1990 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 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Esprit | Leon |
| Year Released | 1990 | 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 | 172 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
