1989 Nissan Laurel vs. 1981 Nissan Stanza
To start off, 1989 Nissan Laurel is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Stanza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Stanza would be higher. At 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Laurel (202 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (81 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Stanza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 500 kg more than 1981 Nissan Stanza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Stanza, 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 Nissan Laurel (264 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Stanza. (130 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Stanza. 1989 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Stanza has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Stanza will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Laurel | 1981 Nissan Stanza | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Laurel | Stanza |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2480 mm |
