1992 Mazda 626 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1992 Mazda 626 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mazda 626 (165 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mazda 626 weights approximately 144 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Mazda 626, 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, 1992 Mazda 626 (221 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1992 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mazda 626 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 626 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
