2005 Seat Leon vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lexus IS would be higher. At 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Seat Leon (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (153 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 24 kg more than 2005 Seat Leon.
Because 2003 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 2003 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lexus IS. (196 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lexus IS. 2003 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2005 Seat Leon has manual transmission. 2005 Seat Leon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Seat Leon | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Seat | Lexus |
| Model | Leon | IS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1376 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
