2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Seat Leon
To start off, 2011 Seat Leon is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Seat Leon (238 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Seat Leon weights approximately 195 kg more than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Seat Leon (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Leon |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1139 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
