1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 278 kg more than 1997 Nissan Laurel.
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 Sharan, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan (211 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1668 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2850 mm |
