1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2008 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2008 Skoda Octavia 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. At 2,824 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Skoda Octavia (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 44 kg more than 2008 Skoda Octavia.
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 Skoda Octavia, 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 Skoda Octavia (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (182 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Skoda Octavia 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 Skoda Octavia has manual transmission. 2008 Skoda Octavia 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 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Nissan | Skoda |
| Model | Laurel | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2824 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
