1981 Nissan Laurel vs. 2007 Renault Espace
To start off, 2007 Renault Espace is newer by 26 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, 2007 Renault Espace (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Renault Espace weights approximately 705 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, 2007 Renault Espace, 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, 2007 Renault Espace (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 2007 Renault Espace 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. 2007 Renault Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Laurel | 2007 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Nissan | Renault |
| Model | Laurel | Espace |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 2110 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2870 mm |
