1998 Ford Focus vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 17 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 48 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
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, 1998 Ford Focus, 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 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (160 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
