1999 Mazda 626 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1999 Mazda 626 is newer by 18 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 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1999 Mazda 626. (101 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 626 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
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, 1999 Mazda 626, 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, 1999 Mazda 626 (224 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda 626 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 626 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
