1996 Opel Astra 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 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Seat Leon (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1996 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Leon weights approximately 74 kg more than 1996 Opel Astra. 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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Astra. (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Astra | 2008 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Opel | Seat |
| Model | Astra | Leon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.5 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
