2009 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Leopard (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Leopard should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 53 kg more than 1981 Nissan Leopard.
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 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Jetta (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 1981 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Leopard will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Volkswagen Jetta | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
Model | Jetta | Leopard |
Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 250 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1247 kg | 1194 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |