2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2007 Seat Leon
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Seat Leon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Seat Leon would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Seat Leon (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Seat Leon weights approximately 9 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Seat Leon (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2007 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Leon |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
