1981 Nissan Laurel vs. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 15 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 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146, 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 (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Laurel | 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Nissan | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Laurel | 146 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 1712 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2550 mm |
