1998 Ford Focus vs. 1985 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan Leopard. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan Leopard would be higher. At 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 31 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1985 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 1985 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, 1998 Ford Focus (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Leopard.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1985 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1105 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 |
