1981 Nissan Laurel vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 32 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (138 HP) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (60 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 464 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (123 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 2013 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. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Laurel | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2803 mm |
