2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 23 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 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 211 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, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
| Model | Eclipse | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2350 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
