1999 Nissan Laurel vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 30 kg more than 1999 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1999 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 1999 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Nissan Laurel | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
