1971 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 41 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sportage (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1971 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1971 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Sportage weights approximately 435 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.
Because 1971 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 1971 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage, 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, 2012 Kia Sportage (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Nissan Laurel. (155 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Laurel | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1815 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2639 mm |
