1996 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Laurel. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox weights approximately 407 kg more than 1996 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 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, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Laurel. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Equinox will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Make | Nissan | Chevrolet |
| Model | Laurel | Equinox |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1737 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2858 mm |
