1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2011 Kia Carens
To start off, 2011 Kia Carens is newer by 14 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 14 more horse power than 2011 Kia Carens. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Carens weights approximately 241 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, 2011 Kia Carens, 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, 2011 Kia Carens (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Carens will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Laurel | 2011 Kia Carens | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Laurel | Carens |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
