1954 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1981 Nissan Leopard is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Leopard (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Leopard should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 500 kg more than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1981 Nissan Leopard (226 Nm) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1981 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Beetle | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
