2006 Seat Leon vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2006 Seat Leon is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Seat Leon (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2006 Seat Leon.
Because 1981 Volvo 240 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 1981 Volvo 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Seat Leon (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Seat Leon | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Seat | Volvo |
| Model | Leon | 240 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
