1971 Subaru R-2 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1981 Nissan Laurel is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Subaru R-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Subaru R-2 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1971 Subaru R-2. (27 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1971 Subaru R-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 668 kg more than 1971 Subaru R-2. 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 (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Subaru R-2. (40 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Subaru R-2. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1971 Subaru R-2 has manual transmission. 1971 Subaru R-2 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:
| 1971 Subaru R-2 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Subaru | Nissan |
| Model | R-2 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1930 mm | 2410 mm |
