1972 Nissan Laurel vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1972 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1972 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 384 kg more than 1972 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Nissan Laurel. (155 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Nissan Laurel | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Golf |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1815 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
