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Mazda MX-5 Roadster vs SEAT Leon - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (132 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (28400 £ vs 24500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda MX-5 Roadster or SEAT Leon?

Mazda MX-5 Roadster

SEAT Leon

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

MX-5 Roadster

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

SEAT Leon has a a bit advantage in terms of price – it starts at 24500 £ , while the Mazda MX-5 Roadster costs 28400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3994 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: SEAT Leon manages with 1.20 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Mazda MX-5 Roadster with 6.20 L. The difference is about 5 L per 100 km.

Leon

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the SEAT Leon has a convincingly edge – offering 272 HP compared to 132 HP. That’s roughly 140 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the SEAT Leon is minimal quicker – completing the sprint in 7.70 s, while the Mazda MX-5 Roadster takes 8.30 s. That’s about 0.60 s faster.

There’s also a difference in torque: SEAT Leon pulls convincingly stronger with 360 Nm compared to 152 Nm. That’s about 208 Nm difference.

MX-5 Roadster

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: SEAT Leon offers decisively more seating capacity – 5 vs 2.

In curb weight, Mazda MX-5 Roadster is clearly perceptible lighter – 1078 kg compared to 1344 kg. The difference is around 266 kg.

In terms of boot space, the SEAT Leon offers decisively more room – 380 L compared to 130 L. That’s a difference of about 250 L.

When it comes to payload, SEAT Leon decisively takes the win – 521 kg compared to 152 kg. That’s a difference of about 369 kg.

Who wins the race?

The SEAT Leon proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
SEAT Leon is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £24,500
Leon

SEAT Leon

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.2 - 5.5 L
  • Electric Range : 133 km
Mazda MX-5 Roadster
SEAT Leon

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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Mazda MX-5 Roadster

The Mazda MX-5 is a featherweight, open-top sports car that turns ordinary roads into a grin-inducing playground thanks to razor-sharp steering and an engaging, tactile gearbox. It won’t swallow the weekly shopping or ski bags, but for anyone after pure driving fun and sun-on-your-face weekends, few cars match its sheer charm and value.

details

SEAT Leon

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

SEAT Leon pairs sharp, modern styling with a cabin that's sensible and slightly sporty, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want flair without fuss. It drives with eager composure and offers a neat balance of comfort and agility, so you get everyday usability with a wink of fun.

details
Mazda MX-5 Roadster
SEAT Leon

Costs and Consumption

Price
28400 - 33800 £
Price
24500 - 36400 £
Consumption L/100km
6.20 L
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
133 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
140 g/km
co2
27 - 126 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 45 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Roadster
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
2
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1078 kg
Curb weight
1344 - 1657 kg
Trunk capacity
130 L
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Length
-
Length
4368 mm
Width
1735 mm
Width
1799 mm
Height
-
Height
1442 - 1460 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1187 - 1301 L
Payload
152 kg
Payload
473 - 521 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
132 HP
Power HP
116 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.30 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.7 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
197 - 220 km/h
Torque
152 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
97 kW
Power kW
85 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1496 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1968 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
Brand
Mazda
Brand
SEAT
What drivetrain options does the Mazda MX-5 Roadster have?

The Mazda MX-5 Roadster is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.