1981 Nissan Laurel vs. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 21 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 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 60 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, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Nissan Laurel | 2002 Pontiac Sunfire | |
Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
Model | Laurel | Sunfire |
Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1770 cc | 2200 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 97 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 147 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 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 | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2650 mm |