1978 Nissan Laurel vs. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 320 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1978 Nissan Laurel (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Nissan Laurel | 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
Model | Laurel | Beetle |
Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1770 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 97 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 147 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1630 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |