2004 Seat Altea vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Seat Altea. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Seat Altea would be higher. At 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (150 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2004 Seat Altea. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2004 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Seat Altea weights approximately 120 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS.
Because 2011 Lexus IS 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 2011 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Seat Altea, 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, 2011 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Seat Altea. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Seat Altea. 2011 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2004 Seat Altea has manual transmission. 2004 Seat Altea will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Seat Altea | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Seat | Lexus |
| Model | Altea | IS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
