1986 Nissan Leopard vs. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Nissan Leopard. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Nissan Leopard would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1986 Nissan Leopard. (98 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 94 kg more than 1986 Nissan Leopard. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Nissan Leopard. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Nissan Leopard. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has automatic transmission and 1986 Nissan Leopard has manual transmission. 1986 Nissan Leopard will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Nissan Leopard | 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Leopard | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
