1996 Seat Marbella vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Seat Marbella. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Seat Marbella would be higher. At 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1996 Seat Marbella. (40 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1996 Seat Marbella. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 887 kg more than 1996 Seat Marbella. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lexus IS 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 2012 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Seat Marbella, 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, 2012 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Seat Marbella. (60 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Seat Marbella. 2012 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1996 Seat Marbella has manual transmission. 1996 Seat Marbella will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Seat Marbella | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Seat | Lexus |
| Model | Marbella | IS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 901 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2731 mm |
