1984 Nissan Laurel vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Nissan Laurel (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 50 kg more than 1984 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1984 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 1984 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra, 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, 1984 Nissan Laurel (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Opel Astra. (130 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1984 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Nissan Laurel | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Nissan | Opel |
| Model | Laurel | Astra |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1952 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
