1981 Nissan Laurel vs. 2007 Kia Rio
To start off, 2007 Kia Rio is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Kia Rio (96 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 57 kg more than 2007 Kia Rio.
Because 1981 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 1981 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Kia Rio, 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Rio. (132 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Laurel | 2007 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Laurel | Rio |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1153 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2420 mm |
