1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 526 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 500 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2680 mm |
