1981 Nissan Laurel vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 5 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 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 2 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Laurel | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Laurel | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
