1996 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Laurel. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 71 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 Volkswagen GTI, 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 Volkswagen GTI (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Laurel. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Laurel. 1996 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | GTI |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2578 mm |
