2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2002 Seat Leon
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Seat Leon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Seat Leon would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2002 Seat Leon. (178 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2002 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Seat Leon. (235 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Seat Leon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2002 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | 3 | Leon |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
