2008 Seat Leon vs. 2001 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2008 Seat Leon is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Seat Leon (237 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Leon weights approximately 565 kg more than 2001 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Smart ForTwo 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 2001 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Seat Leon (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Seat Leon | 2001 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Seat | Smart |
| Model | Leon | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 3.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 22 L |
