1997 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Seat Leon
To start off, 2012 Seat Leon is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2012 Seat Leon. (238 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Leon weights approximately 34 kg more than 1997 BMW M3.
Because 1997 BMW M3 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 1997 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Seat Leon (300 Nm) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 2012 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
1997 BMW M3 | 2012 Seat Leon | |
Make | BMW | Seat |
Model | M3 | Leon |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1982 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 238 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 236 Nm | 300 Nm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 247 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1334 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4330 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |