1989 Nissan Laurel vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 865 kg more than 1989 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Laurel. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 1989 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1989 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Laurel | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 2035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2890 mm |
