1989 Dodge Shadow vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1989 Dodge Shadow is newer by 8 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 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Dodge Shadow is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Shadow (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Shadow weights approximately 94 kg more than 1981 Nissan Leopard. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Dodge Shadow, 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Shadow will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 1981 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 1989 Dodge Shadow has manual transmission. 1989 Dodge Shadow 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:
1989 Dodge Shadow | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
Make | Dodge | Nissan |
Model | Shadow | Leopard |
Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2213 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1288 kg | 1194 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2630 mm |