1989 Nissan Vanette vs. 1981 Subaru DL
To start off, 1989 Nissan Vanette is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Subaru DL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Subaru DL would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Vanette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Vanette (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Subaru DL. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Vanette should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru DL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Vanette weights approximately 614 kg more than 1981 Subaru DL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Nissan Vanette 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 Vanette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Subaru DL, 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 Vanette (148 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Subaru DL. (101 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Vanette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Subaru DL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Vanette | 1981 Subaru DL | |
| Make | Nissan | Subaru |
| Model | Vanette | DL |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1952 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2080 mm | 2470 mm |
