1979 Datsun Laurel vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 is newer by 33 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 640 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 640 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 750 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, 2012 BMW 640 (630 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 454 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (176 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun Laurel | 2012 BMW 640 | |
| Make | Datsun | BMW |
| Model | Laurel | 640 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1365 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
