1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 112 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Nissan Laurel (182 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Laurel | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2824 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
