1989 Nissan Laurel vs. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva is newer by 14 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 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Laurel (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2003 Vauxhall Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Vauxhall Meriva weights approximately 150 kg more than 1989 Nissan Laurel.
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, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva, 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, 2003 Vauxhall Meriva (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Vauxhall Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Laurel | 2003 Vauxhall Meriva | |
| Make | Nissan | Vauxhall |
| Model | Laurel | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2640 mm |
