1995 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1995 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 65 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
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 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Volkswagen Passat. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1995 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1995 Volkswagen Passat 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:
| 1995 Volkswagen Passat | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Passat | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1630 mm |
