1959 MG MGA vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1981 Nissan Leopard is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Leopard (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1959 MG MGA. (106 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Leopard should accelerate faster than 1959 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 294 kg more than 1959 MG MGA. 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 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 MG MGA. (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 MG MGA. 1981 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 1959 MG MGA has manual transmission. 1959 MG MGA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Leopard will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 MG MGA | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | MG | Nissan |
| Model | MGA | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2630 mm |
