2006 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 25 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 32 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Polo.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 1981 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Polo 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:
| 2006 Volkswagen Polo | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Polo | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1162 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2630 mm |
