2005 Land Rover Defender vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2005 Land Rover Defender 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 3,947 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Land Rover Defender (180 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 436 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 2005 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Nissan Leopard. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Defender (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Land Rover Defender | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Land Rover | Nissan |
| Model | Defender | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3947 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2630 mm |
