1989 Nissan Laurel vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 17 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 139 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.
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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (241 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Laurel | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1309 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
