2012 Mazda 3 vs. 1985 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 27 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 195 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, 2012 Mazda 3, 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 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Leopard.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 1985 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2630 mm |
