1998 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2012 Seat Leon
To start off, 2012 Seat Leon is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Seat Leon (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Leon weights approximately 96 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz E | 2012 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Seat |
| Model | E | Leon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
