2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1984 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Nissan Leopard. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Nissan Leopard would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (264 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1984 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1984 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 139 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1984 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 1984 Nissan Leopard. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus, 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Nissan Leopard.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1984 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taurus | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2630 mm |
