1997 Ford Mustang vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1997 Ford Mustang 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 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Mustang weights approximately 196 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 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mustang | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
