1995 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 14 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 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan (142 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (123 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 333 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, 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan, 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, 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan (235 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (222 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2410 mm |
