2010 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 29 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1113 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard. 1981 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen Passat 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:
| 2010 Volkswagen Passat | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Passat | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2630 mm |
