1996 Kia Clarus vs. 1980 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1996 Kia Clarus is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,793 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Kia Clarus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Kia Clarus (114 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Kia Clarus should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Kia Clarus weights approximately 80 kg more than 1980 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Kia Clarus, 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 Kia Clarus (152 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Laurel. (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Kia Clarus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Kia Clarus | 1980 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Clarus | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2680 mm |
