1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 16 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 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 290 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 1981 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 1997 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette 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:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Corvette | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2630 mm |
