1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2002 Seat Leon
To start off, 2002 Seat Leon is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Seat Leon (178 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Seat Leon weights approximately 220 kg more than 1996 Honda Ballade. 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, 2002 Seat Leon (235 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2002 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Honda | Seat |
| Model | Ballade | Leon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
