1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2008 Renault Espace
To start off, 2008 Renault Espace is newer by 11 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 2008 Renault Espace are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2008 Renault Espace. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2008 Renault Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Renault Espace weights approximately 350 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, 2008 Renault Espace, 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, 2008 Renault Espace (191 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2008 Renault Espace has manual transmission. 2008 Renault Espace 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 | 2008 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Nissan | Renault |
| Model | Laurel | Espace |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| 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 | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
