1994 Ford Orion vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1994 Ford Orion is newer by 13 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, 1981 Nissan Leopard (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1994 Ford Orion. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Leopard should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 220 kg more than 1994 Ford Orion. 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, 1994 Ford Orion, 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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Orion. (130 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Orion | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Orion | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
