1977 Nissan Laurel vs. 1981 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 1981 Nissan Sunny is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Nissan Laurel (127 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Sunny. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 380 kg more than 1981 Nissan Sunny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Sunny, 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, 1977 Nissan Laurel (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Sunny. (123 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1977 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Sunny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Nissan Laurel | 1981 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Laurel | Sunny |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2565 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
