2008 Seat Leon vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Seat Leon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Seat Leon would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2008 Seat Leon. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 7 kg more than 2008 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 Seat Leon (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Seat Leon | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Seat | Mazda |
| Model | Leon | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
