1998 Buick Regal vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1998 Buick Regal is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Regal (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Regal weights approximately 424 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Buick Regal, 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, 1998 Buick Regal (312 Nm) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (163 Nm). This means 1998 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 1998 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Regal | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Regal | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
