1981 Nissan Laurel vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 40 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf, 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Laurel | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3300 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
