1983 Nissan Laurel vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Nissan Laurel (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (89 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 178 kg more than 1983 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1983 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 1983 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Nissan Laurel. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Nissan Laurel | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1952 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
