1979 Datsun Laurel vs. 1996 Mazda Sentia
To start off, 1996 Mazda Sentia is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun Laurel would be higher. At 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mazda Sentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda Sentia (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda Sentia should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda Sentia weights approximately 381 kg more than 1979 Datsun Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Mazda Sentia (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (176 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda Sentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun Laurel | 1996 Mazda Sentia | |
| Make | Datsun | Mazda |
| Model | Laurel | Sentia |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1566 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2860 mm |
