SEAT Cordoba

SEAT Cordoba: generations compared: what actually changed

Body type is the first fork. 1 generation and 1 generation, restyling are Coupe. 2 generation and 2 generation, restyling are Sedan. That is not a trim difference: it is the shape you live with.

Body type is the first fork. 1 generation and 1 generation, restyling are Coupe. 2 generation and 2 generation, restyling are Sedan. That is not a trim difference: it is the shape you live with.

Power ceiling moved the other way from what a “later car is faster” rule would predict. Peak petrol in 1 generation is the 2.0 MT 150 hp (8.5 s, 216 km/h) and the 1.8 MT 129 hp (9.1 s, 206 km/h on one listing, 218 km/h on the other). Peak petrol in 1 generation, restyling is the 1.8 MT 156 hp (7.9 s, 218 km/h) — 6 hp and 0.6 s quicker than the 150 hp 2.0 MT. Peak petrol in both 2 generation chapters is the 2.0 MT 115 hp (10.4 s, 200 km/h): 41 hp and 2.5 s slower than the restyled first-generation 1.8 MT 156 hp. The last generation’s fastest car is diesel: 1.9 MT 130 hp at 9.5 s and 210 km/h (5-speed listing) or 9.7 s and 209 km/h (6-speed listing in 2 generation).

Kerb weight rose with the Sedan. The lightest measured kerb in 1 generation is 990 kg (1.6 MT 101 hp). The lightest measured kerb in 2 generation, restyling is 1065 kg (1.6 MT 105 hp) — 75 kg more for 4 extra hp. The heaviest measured kerb in the last generation is 1242 kg (1.9 MT 130 hp, 5-speed), 252 kg above that 990 kg Coupe.

Ground clearance in the first two generations is 130 mm where measured, except 145 mm on 1 generation 2.0 MT 116 hp and 1.9 MT 64 hp. In 2 generation, restyling the same model is listed at both 130 mm and 160 mm depending on version — that 30 mm is a real buy filter, not a rounding error.

Fuel tank is 45 L on almost every later car. 1 generation also lists 47 L on 1.0 MT 50 hp, 1.4 MT 101 hp, 1.6 MT 101 hp (second listing), 1.8 AT 90 hp, 1.8 MT 90 hp and 1.8 MT 129 hp (second listing). Wheel sizes are not measured on most versions; the only listed sizes are on 1 generation, restyling 1.9 MT 90 hp (185/60 R14, 185/65 R15) and 1.9 MT 110 hp (185/55 R15, 175/70 R13).

CO2 and eco class are not measured on any version in this data.

Specs: every named version

Names below are the catalogue names. Same name, different power: keep the hp in the sentence.

2 generation, restyling (Sedan, 2006-06-01 – 2009-07-31)

Feed on the petrols here is Distributed injection (multi-point). Diesel feed is not measured. Compression 10.5 on those petrols; diesels 19.5 (64 hp and 80 hp) or 19 (100 hp and 130 hp). Front brakes Ventilated disc on all. Rear: Drum except Disc on 1.4 MT 100 hp, 1.9 MT 130 hp 6-speed, 1.6 MT 105 hp.

2 generation (Sedan, 2002-09-01 – 2007-01-31)

1.2 MT 64 hp (1198 cc, 3 Inline, Gasoline, No boost, Manual 5, FWD) — 5 hp less than the restyle 1.2 MT 69 hp, same 112 Nm @ 3000. 2.0 MT 115 hp matches the restyle 2.0 MT on power, 10.4 s and 200 km/h. 1.4 MT 80 hp Diesel: 14.2 s / 174 km/h versus 13.2 s / 177 km/h after restyle (same 80 hp, 195 Nm, 1145 kg). 1.9 MT 130 hp appears twice: 5-speed 9.5 s / 210 km/h / 1232 kg, and 6-speed 9.7 s / 209 km/h / 1238 kg with the only measured mixed diesel in this generation (5.1 L/100 km). 1.4 MT 75 hp: 13.6 s / 176 km/h, 1075 kg. 1.4 AT 75 hp: 15.9 s / 172 km/h; mixed 7.5 L/100 km (city 10.3, highway 5.9). 1.4 MT 100 hp: 11.5 s / 193 km/h, 1065 kg. 1.9 MT 64 hp: 17.8 s / 165 km/h. 1.9 MT 100 hp: 11.0 s / 192 km/h, 240 Nm.

1 generation, restyling (Coupe, 1999-08-01 – 2002-08-31)

1.0 MT 50 hp and 1.0 MT 70 hp share 999 cc, 4 Inline, Gasoline, Manual 5, FWD: 20 hp buys 5.5 s (20.4 s → 14.9 s) and 19 km/h (145 → 164). 1.4 MT 60 / 75 / 100 hp: 15.8 s / 157 km/h; 12.9 s / 170 km/h; 11.0 s / 188 km/h. 1.6 MT 75 hp (1598 cc, 2 valves per cylinder) versus 1.6 MT 101 hp (1595 cc, fuel 98): 13.2 s / 170 km/h versus 11.0 s / 188 km/h. 1.6 AT 101 hp is the only Automatic in this generation: 12.7 s / 184 km/h, mixed 8.5 L/100 km. 1.8 MT 156 hp: 5 valves per cylinder, 210 Nm @ 1800, 7.9 s, 218 km/h. Diesels: 1.9 MT 68 hp (No boost, 17.1 s, 161 km/h), 1.9 MT 90 hp (Turbo, 12.5 s, 180 km/h, 210 Nm), 1.9 MT 110 hp (Turbo, 10.6 s, 193 km/h, mixed 4.9 L/100 km).

1 generation (Coupe, 1993-02-01 – 1999-07-31)

1.6 MT 101 hp (twice in the list: tank 45 L then 47 L; both 10.8 s, 186 km/h, 990 kg). 1.6 MT 75 hp: 13.2 s, 167 km/h. 1.8 MT 129 hp (two listings: 206 km/h at 1065 kg and 218 km/h at 1080 kg; both 9.1 s). 2.0 MT 116 hp: 10.1 s, 198 km/h, 145 mm clearance. 2.0 MT 150 hp: 8.5 s, 216 km/h. 1.9 MT 64 hp: 16.8 s, 158 km/h, 145 mm. 1.0 MT 50 hp: 0–100 not measured, top speed not measured, kerb not measured, tank 47 L. 1.4 MT 101 hp: 10.9 s, 188 km/h, 1391 cc. 1.8 AT 90 hp: 14.2 s, 177 km/h. 1.8 MT 90 hp: 11.7 s, 182 km/h — Automatic costs 2.5 s and 5 km/h versus this Manual twin. Feed on both 90 hp 1.8s: Central injection (single-point or single- point).

Performance, mpg and kg per hp

Figures not listed are not measured.

Fastest 0–100 in the catalogue: 1 generation, restyling 1.8 MT 156 hp, 7.9 s. Next: 1 generation 2.0 MT 150 hp, 8.5 s. Then 1 generation 1.8 MT 129 hp, 9.1 s. Then the later diesel peak: 2 generation, restyling 1.9 MT 130 hp, 9.5 s (both 5- and 6-speed restyle listings) and 2 generation 1.9 MT 130 hp 5-speed, 9.5 s; the 6-speed in 2 generation is 9.7 s.

Slowest measured: 1 generation, restyling 1.0 MT 50 hp, 20.4 s. Next: 2 generation, restyling 1.9 MT 64 hp, 17.9 s, then 2 generation 1.9 MT 64 hp 17.8 s, then 1 generation, restyling 1.9 MT 68 hp 17.1 s, then 1 generation 1.9 MT 64 hp 16.8 s. Naturally aspirated 1.9 diesel is the wrong buy if you care about seconds.

Top speed: 218 km/h on 1 generation, restyling 1.8 MT 156 hp and on one 1 generation 1.8 MT 129 hp listing; 216 km/h on 2.0 MT 150 hp; 210 km/h on 1.9 MT 130 hp (restyle both listings and 2 generation 5-speed); 145 km/h on 1.0 MT 50 hp restyle. 1 generation 1.0 MT 50 hp top speed is not measured.

Weight per horsepower (kerb / hp), where kerb is measured:

• 1 generation, restyling 1.8 MT 156 hp: 1135 / 156 = 7.3 kg/hp
• 1 generation 2.0 MT 150 hp: 1120 / 150 = 7.5 kg/hp
• 1 generation 1.8 MT 129 hp (1065 kg listing): 8.3 kg/hp
• 1 generation 1.6 MT 101 hp at 990 kg: 9.8 kg/hp
• 2 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 105 hp: 1065 / 105 = 10.1 kg/hp
• 2 generation, restyling 1.9 MT 130 hp 6-speed: 1232 / 130 = 9.5 kg/hp
• 2 generation, restyling 2.0 MT 115 hp: 1122 / 115 = 9.8 kg/hp
• 2 generation, restyling 1.4 MT 100 hp: 10.9 kg/hp
• 2 generation, restyling 1.4 MT 85 hp: 12.6 kg/hp
• 2 generation, restyling 1.4 MT 80 hp Diesel: 14.3 kg/hp
• 2 generation, restyling 1.2 MT 69 hp: 15.7 kg/hp
• 2 generation, restyling 1.9 MT 64 hp: 18.0 kg/hp

The last-generation petrol 1.6 MT 105 hp is close to the first-generation 1.6 MT 101 hp on kg/hp (10.1 vs 9.8) despite 75 kg extra mass, because it has 4 hp more. The last-generation 1.9 MT 64 hp is more than twice as heavy per hp as the 1.8 MT 156 hp.

Power per litre (hp / litres):

• 1 generation, restyling 1.8 MT 156 hp / 1.781 L = 87.6 hp/L
• 1 generation 2.0 MT 150 hp / 1.984 L = 75.6 hp/L
• 1 generation, restyling 1.0 MT 70 hp / 0.999 L = 70.1 hp/L
• 2 generation, restyling 1.4 MT 100 hp / 1.390 L = 71.9 hp/L
• 2 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 105 hp / 1.598 L = 65.7 hp/L
• 2 generation, restyling 1.9 MT 130 hp / 1.896 L = 68.6 hp/L
• 2 generation, restyling 2.0 MT 115 hp / 1.984 L = 58.0 hp/L
• 2 generation, restyling 1.9 MT 64 hp / 1.896 L = 33.8 hp/L

The 2.0 petrol in the Sedan years is a large, mild engine: 58 hp/L versus 72 hp/L for the 1.4 MT 100 hp. Buying 2.0 MT 115 hp instead of 1.4 MT 100 hp buys 15 hp, 44 Nm (170 vs 126), 1.1 s (10.4 vs 11.5) and 7 km/h (200 vs 193), at +32 kg on the restyle kerbs (1122 vs 1090). Fuel for that 2.0 MT is not measured.

Fuel (L/100 km), measured rows only:

Last generation, restyle petrol: 1.4 MT 85 hp mixed 6.5 (city 8.5 / highway 5.2); 1.4 MT 75 hp mixed 6.4 (8.8 / 5.2); 1.4 MT 100 hp mixed 6.6 (8.9 / 5.3); 1.6 MT 105 hp mixed 6.9 (9.3 / 5.5). The 25 hp from 75 to 100 on 1.4 MT costs 0.2 L/100 km mixed and buys 2.1 s and 17 km/h.

Last generation naturally aspirated diesel 1.9 MT 64 hp: mixed 4.8 (city 6.3 / highway 4.0) — 2.1 L/100 km less mixed than the 1.6 MT 105 hp, in exchange for 7.3 s more to 100 km/h (17.9 vs 10.6) and 28 km/h less top speed (165 vs 193).

2 generation 1.9 MT 130 hp 6-speed: mixed 5.1 (6.7 / 4.2) — 0.3 L above the 64 hp diesel’s 4.8, with 8.2 s less to 100 km/h (9.7 vs 17.8 on the same generation’s 64 hp). 2 generation 1.4 AT 75 hp mixed 7.5. Restyle 1.4 AT fuel is not measured; 0–100 is the same 15.9 s as pre-restyle.

1 generation, restyling petrol mixed: 1.0 MT 50 hp 6.5; 1.0 MT 70 hp 6.8; 1.4 MT 75 hp 6.4; 1.4 MT 100 hp 6.8; 1.6 MT 75 hp 7.2; 1.6 MT 101 hp 7.8; 1.6 AT 101 hp 8.5; 1.8 MT 156 hp 7.8. The Automatic 1.6 AT 101 hp uses 0.7 L/100 km more mixed than the Manual 1.6 MT 101 hp and is 1.7 s slower (12.7 vs 11.0) and 4 km/h slower (184 vs 188). Diesel 1.9 MT 110 hp mixed 4.9 (6.3 / 4.0).

City/highway/mixed on 1 generation petrol and diesel are not measured except where listed above in later chapters.

Dimensions, weight, clearance, tank

Tank is 45 L unless the version is one of the 1 generation 47 L cars named above. Wheels not measured except the two restyle-first-gen diesels.

2 generation, restyling kerb / gross / clearance: 1.4 MT 85 hp 1075 / 1595 / 130 mm; 1.2 MT 69 hp 1080 / 1575 / 160 mm; 1.4 MT 75 hp 1090 / 1585 / 160 mm; 1.4 MT 100 hp 1090 / 1585 / 160 mm; 2.0 MT 115 hp 1122 / 1653 / 160 mm; 1.4 MT 80 hp Diesel 1145 / 1662 / 130 mm; 1.9 MT 64 hp 1152 / 1647 / 160 mm; 1.9 MT 130 hp 6-speed 1232 / 1730 / 130 mm; 1.9 MT 130 hp 5-speed 1242 / 1728 / 160 mm; 1.4 AT 75 hp 1107 / 1625 / 130 mm; 1.9 MT 100 hp 1171 / 1690 / 130 mm; 1.6 MT 105 hp 1065 / 1585 / 160 mm.

Payload (gross − kerb) on the restyle 1.6 MT 105 hp is 520 kg; on 1.9 MT 130 hp 6-speed 498 kg; on 1.4 MT 85 hp 520 kg; on 1.2 MT 69 hp 495 kg.

2 generation clearance is not measured on most petrols; 160 mm is listed on 1.4 MT 80 hp Diesel, 1.9 MT 130 hp 6-speed and 1.4 AT 75 hp. Kerb on 1.4 AT 75 hp in 2 generation is not measured.

1 generation, restyling: kerb 1015 kg on both 1.0 MT outputs; 1030 kg on 1.4 MT 75 and 100 hp; 1018 kg on 1.4 MT 60 hp; 1045 kg 1.6 MT 75 hp; 1080 kg 1.6 MT 101 hp; 1130 kg 1.6 AT 101 hp; 1135 kg 1.8 MT 156 hp; 1100–1170 kg on the 1.9 diesels. Clearance 130 mm where measured; not measured on 1.9 MT 90 hp, 1.9 MT 68 hp, 1.4 MT 60 hp.

1 generation: 990 kg on 1.6 MT 101 hp is the catalogue minimum. 1.0 MT 50 hp kerb, gross, 0–100 and top speed are not measured.

Rear suspension English in the source is Independent, spring on some second-generation cars and Semi-independent, spring on others (the source string also carries a truncated fragment on several rows). Front is Independent, spring where listed.

Which version to choose

Buy the last-generation Sedan if you want a 2006–2009 three-box car. Then:

• Daily petrol, measured economy, lightest kerb: 1.6 MT 105 hp. Mixed 6.9 L/100 km, 10.6 s, 193 km/h, 1065 kg, 160 mm, Disc at the rear. Versus 1.4 MT 100 hp you pay 0.3 L mixed and gain 5 hp, 27 Nm, 0.9 s and the same 193 km/h, at 25 kg less (1065 vs 1090). Versus 2.0 MT 115 hp you give up 10 hp and 0.2 s (10.6 vs 10.4) and 7 km/h, but 2.0 MT fuel is not measured and it is 57 kg heavier.

• Same 1.4 badge, three petrol powers: do not buy 1.4 MT 75 hp if 1.4 MT 85 hp or 1.4 MT 100 hp is on the same lot without a clearance need. 75 → 85 hp: 1.2 s quicker (13.6 → 12.4), 5 km/h more (176 → 181), mixed 6.4 → 6.5 (0.1 L). 85 → 100 hp: 0.9 s (12.4 → 11.5), 12 km/h (181 → 193), mixed 6.5 → 6.6. Clearance is the catch: 1.4 MT 85 hp is 130 mm; 75 hp and 100 hp are 160 mm.

• Need an Automatic in a late Sedan: only 1.4 AT 75 hp. Versus 1.4 MT 75 hp that is +2.3 s (15.9 vs 13.6) and −4 km/h (172 vs 176). Restyle fuel for the AT is not measured; pre-restyle AT mixed is 7.5.

• Diesel for torque: skip 1.9 MT 64 hp unless mixed 4.8 L/100 km is the only goal. 1.4 MT 80 hp Turbo Diesel already has 195 Nm versus 125 Nm, 13.2 s versus 17.9 s, at 7 kg less than the 64 hp restyle car. 1.9 MT 100 hp: 240 Nm, 11.1 s, 192 km/h, 1171 kg, 130 mm. 1.9 MT 130 hp: 310 Nm, 9.5 s, 210 km/h. The restyle 6-speed 130 hp is 10 kg lighter than the 5-speed 130 hp (1232 vs 1242), sits 30 mm lower (130 vs 160), and lists Disc rear versus Drum. 2 generation 6-speed 130 hp is the only 130 hp with measured mpg (mixed 5.1).

• City petrol, smallest engine: 1.2 MT 69 hp. 14.7 s, 171 km/h, 3 Inline, consumption not measured. Versus 1.4 MT 75 hp you lose 0.9 s and 5 km/h for 10 cc × 192 less capacity and 10 kg less kerb. Pre-restyle 1.2 MT 64 hp is slower still (15.7 s, 168 km/h).

Buy 2 generation (pre-restyle) only for a specific row. 1.4 MT 100 hp is 25 kg lighter than the restyle 100 hp (1065 vs 1090) at the same 11.5 s / 193 km/h; clearance not measured. 1.9 MT 100 hp is 11.0 s versus restyle 11.1 s. 1.4 MT 80 hp Diesel is 1.0 s slower than restyle (14.2 vs 13.2). 1.2 MT 64 hp is the weakest second-generation petrol.

Buy 1 generation, restyling Coupe if you want the fastest Cordoba in this catalogue: 1.8 MT 156 hp, 7.9 s, 218 km/h, 210 Nm, 1135 kg, 7.3 kg/hp, mixed 7.8. That is 2.6 s quicker than the last-generation 1.6 MT 105 hp and 1.6 s quicker than the last-generation 1.9 MT 130 hp, at 70 kg more than the 1.6 MT and 97 kg less than the restyle 130 hp 6-speed.

Other Coupe picks: 1.4 MT 100 hp at 11.0 s / 188 km/h / mixed 6.8 / 1030 kg is 0.5 s quicker and 60 kg lighter than the last-generation 1.4 MT 100 hp. 1.9 MT 110 hp is the first-gen diesel that still moves (10.6 s, 193 km/h, mixed 4.9) — 0.1 s slower than last-gen 1.6 MT 105 hp with 2.0 L/100 km less mixed. 1.0 MT 50 hp is the wrong buy on seconds (20.4 s); 1.0 MT 70 hp is the 999 cc engine that is actually usable (14.9 s, 164 km/h). 1.6 AT 101 hp is the Coupe Automatic: mixed 8.5, 12.7 s — heavier (1130 kg) and thirstier than Manual 1.6 MT 101 hp.

Buy 1 generation Coupe for kerb weight and the 150 hp 2.0. 1.6 MT 101 hp at 990 kg is 75 kg lighter than the last 1.6 MT 105 hp with nearly the same power (101 vs 105) and 10.8 s versus 10.6 s. 2.0 MT 150 hp (8.5 s, 216 km/h) outruns every second-generation petrol. 1.8 MT 129 hp at 9.1 s sits between the 150 hp 2.0 and the later 115 hp 2.0. 1.8 MT 90 hp versus 1.8 AT 90 hp: keep the Manual unless you require Automatic (11.7 s vs 14.2 s). 1.4 MT 101 hp (1391 cc, 10.9 s, 188 km/h) is the small-capacity 101 hp option; fuel 95, unlike 1.6 MT 101 hp on 98. 1.0 MT 50 hp in this generation has performance, kerb and gross not measured — do not treat it as a known 20.4 s car; that 20.4 s belongs to the restyle 1.0 MT 50 hp.

Reliability and typical problems are not measured in this dataset. Do not infer them from hp or age.

Short list: Sedan + petrol + measured mpg → 2 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 105 hp. Sedan + Automatic → 1.4 AT 75 hp and accept 15.9 s. Sedan + diesel torque → 1.9 MT 130 hp, and pick 6-speed if you want the 2 generation mixed 5.1 figure, or the restyle 5-speed if you want 160 mm clearance. Coupe + fastest → 1 generation, restyling 1.8 MT 156 hp. Coupe + light 101 hp → 1 generation 1.6 MT 101 hp at 990 kg. Avoid 1.9 MT 64 hp and 1.0 MT 50 hp unless the measured 4.8 L/100 km mixed or the 999 cc badge is the requirement.