1996 BMW 523 vs. 2011 Seat Leon
To start off, 2011 Seat Leon is newer by 15 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, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2011 Seat Leon. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2011 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2011 Seat Leon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 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, 2011 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Seat Leon | |
Make | BMW | Seat |
Model | 523 | Leon |
Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1968 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 81.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
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 | 1355 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4320 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 |