1968 Datsun 1800 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1981 Nissan Laurel is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Datsun 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Datsun 1800 would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (123 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1968 Datsun 1800. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1968 Datsun 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 279 kg more than 1968 Datsun 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (222 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Datsun 1800. (156 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Datsun 1800. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1968 Datsun 1800 has manual transmission. 1968 Datsun 1800 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Datsun 1800 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Datsun | Nissan |
| Model | 1800 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1816 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
