1981 Nissan Leopard vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1981 Nissan Leopard is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 491 kg more than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Leopard | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Leopard | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2750 mm |
