1974 Nissan Laurel vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1974 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1974 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 215 kg more than 1974 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1974 Nissan Laurel (169 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1974 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Nissan Laurel | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
