1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Seat Leon
To start off, 2011 Seat Leon is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2011 Seat Leon. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2011 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Seat Leon weights approximately 391 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2011 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (220 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2011 Seat Leon has manual transmission. 2011 Seat Leon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Seat |
| Model | Golf | Leon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
