1996 Mazda 626 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 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Seat Leon (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 626. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Leon weights approximately 236 kg more than 1996 Mazda 626. 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, 2005 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 626. (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 626 | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | 626 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
