2002 Ford Mondeo vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2002 Ford Mondeo is newer by 21 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 (4 cylinders), 2002 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Mondeo (144 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 178 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, 2002 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2002 Ford Mondeo (176 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 1981 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Mondeo has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Mondeo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Leopard will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Mondeo | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mondeo | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1283 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
