1999 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 25 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel. 1978 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
Model | New Beetle | Laurel |
Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1786 cc | 1770 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 97 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2680 mm |