2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan 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 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (173 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 720 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, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, 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, 1981 Nissan Leopard (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Leopard will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan 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 Dodge Grand Caravan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2630 mm |
