1981 Nissan Leopard vs. 2011 Mitsubishi Shogun
To start off, 2011 Mitsubishi Shogun 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 3,199 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mitsubishi Shogun is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mitsubishi Shogun (163 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mitsubishi Shogun should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mitsubishi Shogun weights approximately 300 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 2011 Mitsubishi Shogun is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Nissan Leopard. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mitsubishi Shogun will offer significantly more control. 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 Mitsubishi Shogun (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mitsubishi Shogun will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 2011 Mitsubishi Shogun 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 Mitsubishi Shogun will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Leopard | 2011 Mitsubishi Shogun | |
| Make | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Leopard | Shogun |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2753 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2790 mm |
