1996 Toyota MR2 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 15 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, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota MR2 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:
1996 Toyota MR2 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Toyota | Nissan |
Model | MR2 | Laurel |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2393 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 111 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 186 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1145 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4060 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |