1996 Mazda RX-01 vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1996 Mazda RX-01 is newer by 15 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 2,615 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-01 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-01 (217 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-01 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 5 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-01.
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, 1996 Mazda RX-01, 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, 1996 Mazda RX-01 (220 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-01 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda RX-01 | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-01 | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2615 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2630 mm |
