1981 Nissan Laurel vs. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 27 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 10 kg more than 2008 Nissan Pathfinder.
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, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, 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, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (391 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Laurel | 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Laurel | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2860 mm |
