1978 Nissan Laurel vs. 1997 Volvo S70
To start off, 1997 Volvo S70 is newer by 19 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 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volvo S70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S70 (190 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S70 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo S70 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1997 Volvo S70, 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, 1997 Volvo S70 (267 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo S70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan Laurel | 1997 Volvo S70 | |
| Make | Nissan | Volvo |
| Model | Laurel | S70 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2730 mm |
