2002 Seat Leon vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Seat Leon is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2002 Seat Leon. (178 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 450 kg more than 2002 Seat Leon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Seat Leon. (235 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Seat Leon. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Seat Leon has manual transmission. 2002 Seat Leon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Seat Leon | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Seat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Leon | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
