1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2011 Nissan Murano
To start off, 2011 Nissan Murano 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Murano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Murano (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Murano should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Murano weights approximately 372 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, 2011 Nissan Murano, 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 Nissan Murano (325 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (182 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Murano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Laurel | 2011 Nissan Murano | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Laurel | Murano |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2824 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1802 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4823 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2824 mm |
