1979 Nissan Laurel vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 32 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 840 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.
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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 462 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Laurel. 2011 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1979 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1979 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Nissan Laurel | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Laurel | 550 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2968 mm |
