2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 1997 Seat Marbella
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Seat Marbella. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Seat Marbella would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (123 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1997 Seat Marbella. (40 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1997 Seat Marbella. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Roadster weights approximately 350 kg more than 1997 Seat Marbella. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Seat Marbella, 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (142 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Seat Marbella. (60 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Seat Marbella.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 1997 Seat Marbella | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | Roadster | Marbella |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 903 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2170 mm |
