1981 Nissan Laurel vs. 2008 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 2008 Toyota Avensis 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Avensis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Avensis (125 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Avensis should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Avensis weights approximately 315 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, 2008 Toyota Avensis, 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 Toyota Avensis (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Avensis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Laurel | 2008 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | Laurel | Avensis |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
