1989 Dodge Shadow vs. 1973 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1989 Dodge Shadow is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Shadow (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1973 Nissan Laurel. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow should accelerate faster than 1973 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Shadow weights approximately 93 kg more than 1973 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow, 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Nissan Laurel. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Shadow will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Shadow | 1973 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Shadow | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1288 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2680 mm |
