1981 Nissan Leopard vs. 2012 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 is newer by 31 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 5 (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 5 weights approximately 463 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, 2012 Mazda 5, 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, 2012 Mazda 5 (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 2012 Mazda 5 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. 2012 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Leopard | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Leopard | 5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1568 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2751 mm |
