1981 Nissan Laurel vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 25 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 268 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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 (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 2006 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Laurel | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2720 mm |
