1996 BMW 523 vs. 2009 Seat Leon
To start off, 2009 Seat Leon is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Seat Leon (238 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 211 kg more than 2009 Seat Leon.
Because 1996 BMW 523 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 1996 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Seat Leon (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2009 Seat Leon | |
| Make | BMW | Seat |
| Model | 523 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
