1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta 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. At 2,824 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Volkswagen Jetta (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (182 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2824 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
