2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 22 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 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 (120 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 140 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1978 Nissan Laurel (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. 1978 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 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:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
| Model | 156 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 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 | 1280 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2680 mm |
