1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 2009 Seat Leon
To start off, 2009 Seat Leon is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Seat Leon (138 HP) has 64 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Seat Leon weights approximately 636 kg more than 1997 Citroen Xsara. 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, 2009 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 2009 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Citroen | Seat |
| Model | Xsara | Leon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.1 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
