2001 GMC Safari vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2001 GMC Safari is newer by 20 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 GMC Safari weights approximately 715 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, 2001 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 2001 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Leopard has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Leopard will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 GMC Safari | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | GMC | Nissan |
| Model | Safari | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2630 mm |
