1971 Nissan Laurel vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 1971 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1971 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1971 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 564 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Nissan Laurel. (155 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Nissan Laurel | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | W12 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1815 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2550 mm |
