1988 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1988 Daihatsu Charade 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1988 Daihatsu Charade. (50 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1988 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 338 kg more than 1988 Daihatsu Charade. 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 Daihatsu Charade, 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Daihatsu Charade. (77 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Daihatsu Charade | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Nissan |
| Model | Charade | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 50 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3620 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |
