2012 Ford Fiesta vs. 1983 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2012 Ford Fiesta is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Nissan Leopard. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Nissan Leopard would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Fiesta (120 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1983 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1983 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 64 kg more than 1983 Nissan Leopard. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Nissan Leopard. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2012 Ford Fiesta (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Nissan Leopard. 1983 Nissan Leopard has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2012 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Nissan Leopard will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Ford Fiesta | 1983 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6350 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1169 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4409 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1697 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1473 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2489 mm | 2630 mm |
