1996 Ford Contour 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 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Seat Leon (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1996 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Seat Leon weights approximately 18 kg more than 1996 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Seat Leon (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Contour | 2007 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Ford | Seat |
| Model | Contour | Leon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
