1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Seat Leon
To start off, 2002 Seat Leon is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Seat Leon (178 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Seat Leon weights approximately 691 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Seat Leon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Seat Leon will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Seat Leon (235 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2002 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elise | Leon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
