1966 Wartburg 312 vs. 1984 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1984 Nissan Laurel is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Nissan Laurel (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 110 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Nissan Laurel 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 1984 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 312, 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, 1984 Nissan Laurel (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1984 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Wartburg 312 | 1984 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Wartburg | Nissan |
| Model | 312 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 900 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 37 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
