1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2005 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2005 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,824 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Renault Vel Satis (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 230 kg more than 1997 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2005 Renault Vel Satis (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (182 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2005 Renault Vel Satis has manual transmission. 2005 Renault Vel Satis will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Laurel | 2005 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Nissan | Renault |
| Model | Laurel | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2824 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
