2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1985 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan Leopard. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan Leopard would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 185 kg more than 1985 Nissan Leopard. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Nissan Leopard. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Leopard. 1985 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Nissan Leopard will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1985 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
