2001 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Leopard (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Leopard should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 89 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 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 Volkswagen Golf, 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, both vehicles can yield 170 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Golf | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4148 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1735 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2512 mm | 2630 mm |
