1986 Fiat Croma vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1986 Fiat Croma is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,929 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1986 Fiat Croma. (94 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1986 Fiat Croma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Fiat Croma weights approximately 145 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1978 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 1978 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Fiat Croma, 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, 1978 Nissan Laurel (147 Nm) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Fiat Croma. (84 Nm). This means 1978 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Fiat Croma. 1978 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1986 Fiat Croma has manual transmission. 1986 Fiat Croma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Fiat Croma | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | Croma | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1929 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2680 mm |
