1994 Suzuki Samurai vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1994 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 13 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 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 140 kg more than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Nissan Laurel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Suzuki Samurai. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1994 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1994 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Suzuki Samurai | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Suzuki | Nissan |
| Model | Samurai | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2410 mm |
