2003 Ariel Atom vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2003 Ariel Atom is newer by 22 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 643 kg more than 2003 Ariel Atom.
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, 2003 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 1981 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 2003 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2003 Ariel Atom 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:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Ariel | Nissan |
| Model | Atom | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2630 mm |
