2001 Seat Leon vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 2001 Seat Leon is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2001 Seat Leon. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 2001 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2001 Seat Leon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Volvo 260 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 1979 Volvo 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1979 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Seat Leon. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Seat Leon. 1979 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 2001 Seat Leon has manual transmission. 2001 Seat Leon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Seat Leon | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Seat | Volvo |
| Model | Leon | 260 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
