1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 2005 Seat Leon. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 941 kg more than 2005 Seat Leon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Seat Leon, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Seat Leon. (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Seat Leon. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2005 Seat Leon has manual transmission. 2005 Seat Leon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Seat |
| Model | S | Leon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1239 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
