2009 Seat Leon vs. 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace
To start off, 2009 Seat Leon is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace would be higher. At 2,446 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Seat Leon (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace. (89 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace weights approximately 455 kg more than 2009 Seat Leon.
Because 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace 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 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace (226 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Seat Leon. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Seat Leon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Seat Leon | 1997 Toyota Hi-Ace | |
| Make | Seat | Toyota |
| Model | Leon | Hi-Ace |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1960 mm |
