1973 Renault 12 vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1981 Nissan Leopard is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Leopard (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Leopard should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 205 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Nissan Leopard 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 1981 Nissan Leopard. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Renault 12, 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, 1981 Nissan Leopard (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12. 1981 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 1973 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1973 Renault 12 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:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Renault | Nissan |
| Model | 12 | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
