1986 Nissan Leopard vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 26 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 1986 Nissan Leopard. (98 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 550 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Nissan Leopard.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Nissan Leopard | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Leopard | M3 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2761 mm |
