1983 BMW 320 vs. 1979 Datsun Laurel
To start off, 1983 BMW 320 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun Laurel would be higher. At 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 320 (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1979 Datsun Laurel. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun Laurel weights approximately 138 kg more than 1983 BMW 320.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Datsun Laurel (175 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 320. (171 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 320 | 1979 Datsun Laurel | |
| Make | BMW | Datsun |
| Model | 320 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
