1999 Opel Signum vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1999 Opel Signum 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 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (123 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1999 Opel Signum. (99 HP @ 3120 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1999 Opel Signum. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Signum weights approximately 350 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 Opel Signum, 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 Opel Signum (240 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (222 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Signum 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 Opel Signum has manual transmission. 1999 Opel Signum 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 Opel Signum | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Opel | Nissan |
| Model | Signum | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3120 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
