1981 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 31 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 530 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 2012 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Nissan | Buick |
| Model | Laurel | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2837 mm |
