1978 Mini MK IV vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1981 Nissan Laurel is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mini MK IV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mini MK IV would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Mini MK IV. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1978 Mini MK IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 530 kg more than 1978 Mini MK IV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Mini MK IV, 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mini MK IV. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mini MK IV.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mini MK IV | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Mini | Nissan |
Model | MK IV | Laurel |
Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 848 cc | 1770 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 34 HP | 97 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 61 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2680 mm |