1998 BMW 318 vs. 2010 Seat Leon
To start off, 2010 Seat Leon is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Seat Leon (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2010 Seat Leon.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2010 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2010 Seat Leon has manual transmission. 2010 Seat Leon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2010 Seat Leon | |
| Make | BMW | Seat |
| Model | 318 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
