2009 BMW 120 vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 28 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, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 285 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Nissan Leopard (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 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. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 120 | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
