2001 Daihatsu Copen vs. 1982 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2001 Daihatsu Copen is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Nissan Leopard. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Nissan Leopard would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Nissan Leopard (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. (62 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Nissan Leopard should accelerate faster than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 305 kg more than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Nissan Leopard. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Daihatsu Copen, 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, 1982 Nissan Leopard (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1982 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. 1982 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 2001 Daihatsu Copen has manual transmission. 2001 Daihatsu Copen will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Nissan Leopard will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Daihatsu Copen | 1982 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Nissan |
| Model | Copen | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 659 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2630 mm |
