2005 Cadillac XLR vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2005 Cadillac XLR is newer by 24 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 4,564 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac XLR (322 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 414 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, 2005 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 2005 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Leopard has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Leopard will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | XLR | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4564 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2630 mm |
