1997 AC Cobra vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1997 AC Cobra is newer by 16 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (123 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 219 kg more than 1997 AC Cobra.
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, 1997 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (222 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | AC | Nissan |
| Model | Cobra | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2410 mm |
