1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 10 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. Both 1997 Nissan Laurel and 2007 Opel Astra are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (237 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 8 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, 2007 Opel Astra, 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, 2007 Opel Astra (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2007 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2007 Opel Astra 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 | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Nissan | Opel |
| Model | Laurel | Astra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
