1998 Kia Retona vs. 1997 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1998 Kia Retona is newer by 1 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. Both 1998 Kia Retona and 1997 Nissan Laurel are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1998 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1998 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Kia Retona weights approximately 480 kg more than 1997 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1998 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Nissan Laurel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Kia Retona will offer significantly more control. 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 Kia Retona (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1998 Kia Retona has manual transmission. 1998 Kia Retona 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:
| 1998 Kia Retona | 1997 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Retona | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2730 mm |
