1984 Nissan Leopard vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Nissan Leopard. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Nissan Leopard would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Nissan Leopard (213 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Nissan Leopard should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 70 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Nissan Leopard. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3, 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, 1984 Nissan Leopard (335 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Nissan Leopard | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Leopard | 3 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 213 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2639 mm |
