1989 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 23 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Laurel (202 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 13 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (264 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | GTI |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2578 mm |
