1987 Toyota Corolla vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1987 Toyota Corolla 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Toyota Corolla (140 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard.
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 Toyota Corolla, 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, 1987 Toyota Corolla (206 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1987 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 1981 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 1987 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1987 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Leopard will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Toyota Corolla | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Corolla | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2630 mm |
