2001 Renault Vel Satis vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2001 Renault Vel Satis 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (210 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 526 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.
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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (393 Nm) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (170 Nm). This means 2001 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Renault Vel Satis | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Renault | Nissan |
| Model | Vel Satis | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2630 mm |
