2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Seat Leon
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Seat Leon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Seat Leon would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2005 Seat Leon. (104 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Seat Leon.
Because 2006 Mazda RX-8 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 2006 Mazda RX-8. 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 (148 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Mazda RX-8 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. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | RX-8 | Leon |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
