2001 Dodge Caravan vs. 1977 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2001 Dodge Caravan is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Dodge Caravan (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1977 Nissan Laurel. (129 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1977 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 560 kg more than 1977 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Dodge Caravan, 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, 2001 Dodge Caravan (313 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Nissan Laurel. (221 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Dodge Caravan | 1977 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Caravan | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2680 mm |
