1989 Dodge Spirit vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1989 Dodge Spirit is newer by 8 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 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Spirit (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Spirit should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 171 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, 1989 Dodge Spirit, 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 Spirit (244 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Spirit | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Spirit | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1316 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
