1977 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 35 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 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1977 Nissan Laurel. (129 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1977 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 69 kg more than 1977 Nissan Laurel. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Nissan Laurel. (221 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Nissan Laurel. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1977 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1977 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2753 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2537 mm |
