2005 Seat Leon vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2005 Seat Leon. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 76 kg more than 2005 Seat Leon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Seat Leon (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (205 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Seat Leon | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Seat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Leon | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4150 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1239 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
