1979 Nissan Laurel vs. 1997 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1997 Toyota Carina is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota Carina (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Carina weights approximately 5 kg more than 1979 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Carina, 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, 1979 Nissan Laurel (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Carina. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1979 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Nissan Laurel | 1997 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Laurel | Carina |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
