1990 Nissan Laurel vs. 2003 Renault Megane
To start off, 2003 Renault Megane is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,808 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Renault Megane (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1990 Nissan Laurel. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1990 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Megane weights approximately 150 kg more than 1990 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Renault Megane, 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 Renault Megane (147 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Nissan Laurel. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Nissan Laurel. 2003 Renault Megane has automatic transmission and 1990 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1990 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Renault Megane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Nissan Laurel | 2003 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Nissan | Renault |
| Model | Laurel | Megane |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1808 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2530 mm |
