1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2007 Seat Leon
To start off, 2007 Seat Leon is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2007 Seat Leon. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2007 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Seat Leon weights approximately 727 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1996 Caterham 7 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 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 1996 Caterham 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Seat Leon. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Seat Leon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 2007 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Caterham | Seat |
| Model | 7 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 55 L |
