1979 Datsun Laurel vs. 1996 Renault Spider
To start off, 1996 Renault Spider 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 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Renault Spider (141 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun Laurel weights approximately 198 kg more than 1996 Renault Spider.
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 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (175 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun Laurel | 1996 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Datsun | Renault |
| Model | Laurel | Spider |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2350 mm |
