2008 Ford Mondeo vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2008 Ford Mondeo 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. Both 2008 Ford Mondeo and 1981 Nissan Leopard are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Leopard (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 Ford Mondeo. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Leopard should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 290 kg more than 1981 Nissan Leopard.
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 Ford Mondeo, 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 Ford Mondeo (280 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 1981 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Mondeo has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Mondeo 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:
| 2008 Ford Mondeo | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Mondeo | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 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 | 1484 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
