2005 Renault Vel Satis vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2005 Renault Vel Satis 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 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Renault Vel Satis (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 420 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, 2005 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2005 Renault Vel Satis (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 1981 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 2005 Renault Vel Satis has manual transmission. 2005 Renault Vel Satis 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:
| 2005 Renault Vel Satis | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Renault | Nissan |
| Model | Vel Satis | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
