1981 Nissan Leopard vs. 2011 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2011 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 30 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 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 478 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.
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, 2011 Mazda CX-7, 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, 2011 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 2011 Mazda CX-7 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. 2011 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Leopard | 2011 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Leopard | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2753 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2751 mm |
