1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Reatta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Reatta (165 HP) has 105 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (60 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 431 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta, 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, 1988 Buick Reatta (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (123 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Reatta | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Reatta | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 60 HP |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
