1996 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Seat Leon
To start off, 2008 Seat Leon is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Seat Leon (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Leon weights approximately 182 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. 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, 2008 Seat Leon (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2008 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Ford | Seat |
| Model | Escort | Leon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
