2009 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1985 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 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 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 142 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 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 2009 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2009 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:
| 2009 Volkswagen Golf | 1985 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1247 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
