2008 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2008 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 27 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 5,667 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Buick LaCrosse (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 618 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, 2008 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2008 Buick LaCrosse (438 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 2008 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2008 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Buick LaCrosse | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | LaCrosse | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5667 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 438 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2630 mm |
