1968 Saab 99 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 Saab 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Saab 99 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1968 Saab 99. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1968 Saab 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 140 kg more than 1968 Saab 99. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Saab 99, 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Saab 99. (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Saab 99.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Saab 99 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Saab | Nissan |
| Model | 99 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1709 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
