2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. Both 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK and 1981 Nissan Leopard are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 96 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SLK | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
