1996 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Seat Leon
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Seat Leon (178 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Leon weights approximately 292 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Seat Leon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Seat Leon will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Seat Leon (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Honda | Seat |
| Model | Civic | Leon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
