1981 Nissan Leopard vs. 2004 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Leopard. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Leopard would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (296 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 468 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, 2004 Ford Mustang (427 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 2004 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Leopard has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Leopard will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Leopard | 2004 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Nissan | Ford |
| Model | Leopard | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
