1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Seat Leon (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Leon weights approximately 167 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 2012 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 2012 Seat Leon has manual transmission. 2012 Seat Leon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2012 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Seat |
| Model | Cavalier | Leon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
