1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1977 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1977 Nissan Laurel. (129 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1977 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 175 kg more than 1977 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (249 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Nissan Laurel. (221 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 1977 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2680 mm |
