Physical Differences
The first physical difference that stands out is the fur. Cheetahs have small, solid black spots while leopards have larger spots that look like black rings on the torso and upper parts of the limbs. Cheetahs also have distinctive black tear lines that extend from their eyes down to their mouths. Leopards are large and muscular like the other big cats in Africa, while cheetahs are smaller and lighter. The small body helps cheetahs run faster.
Habitat Differences
Leopards can be found in almost every habitat in Africa; they are the most adaptable of all of the wild cats. Leopards have been found in deserts and mountains, but they prefer forests and grasslands. Leopards live in Africa and extend to southeastern China. Cheetahs live in the grasslands of Africa through India into southwestern Asia, but they are much more prevalent in Africa. Cheetahs are most prevalent animal reserves, such as The Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.
Hunting Style
Cheetahs can reach speeds of 60 mph, making them the fastest of all the land animals. Cheetahs run down their prey, grab them by the throat and strangle them. Cheetah may hunt alone, or in groups of two or three. Leopards, on the other hand, hunt like lions: they lie in wait and silently stalk their prey, then use their large size to overpower the prey. Leopards always hunt alone.
Vocalizations
Cheetahs do not roar; in fact, they are the only big cats that cannot roar. They make a variety of sounds, including chirping sounds, purring, yelps and growls. Leopards, on the other hand, roar and have throaty growls much like the other big African cats. Naturalists often compare the leopard roar to the lion roar, except in volume. The leopard roar is much quieter.