1999 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Seat Leon
To start off, 2012 Seat Leon is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Seat Leon (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Leon weights approximately 626 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Lotus Elise. 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 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 2012 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Elise | Leon |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| 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 | 708 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
