2000 Suzuki Samurai vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2000 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 19 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 30 kg more than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Nissan Laurel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Suzuki Samurai. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2000 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 2000 Suzuki Samurai 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:
| 2000 Suzuki Samurai | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Suzuki | Nissan |
| Model | Samurai | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1400 mm |
