1977 BMW 320 vs. 1979 Datsun Laurel
To start off, 1979 Datsun Laurel is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 320 (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun Laurel weights approximately 68 kg more than 1977 BMW 320.
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, 1979 Datsun Laurel (175 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 320. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 320 | 1979 Datsun Laurel | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 320 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 60 L |
