1981 Nissan Laurel vs. 1996 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1996 Toyota Starlet 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 372 kg more than 1996 Toyota Starlet. 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 Toyota Starlet, 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 (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Laurel | 1996 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Laurel | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 101 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 |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
