1987 Buick Skylark vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1987 Buick Skylark is newer by 6 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 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Skylark (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Skylark should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 50 kg more than 1987 Buick Skylark.
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, 1987 Buick Skylark, 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, 1981 Nissan Leopard (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Skylark. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Skylark. 1987 Buick Skylark 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. 1987 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Skylark | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Skylark | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
