1997 Holden Commodore vs. 1979 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1997 Holden Commodore is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Holden Commodore (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Holden Commodore weights approximately 470 kg more than 1979 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, 1997 Holden Commodore (304 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Holden Commodore | 1979 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Holden | Nissan |
| Model | Commodore | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2680 mm |
