1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Seat Leon
To start off, 2008 Seat Leon is newer by 10 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Seat Leon (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Leon weights approximately 555 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 1998 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Seat Leon (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elise | Leon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
