1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 15 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 72 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra. 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra, 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Laurel | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2685 mm |
