1994 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Nissan Laurel (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 121 kg more than 1994 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1994 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 1994 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Passat (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Nissan Laurel. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Nissan Laurel. 1994 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1994 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Passat |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2712 mm |
