1987 Lancia Thema vs. 1980 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1987 Lancia Thema is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lancia Thema (118 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lancia Thema weights approximately 75 kg more than 1980 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Thema, 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, 1987 Lancia Thema (165 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Laurel. (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1987 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lancia Thema | 1980 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Lancia | Nissan |
| Model | Thema | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
