2001 Honda S-MX vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2001 Honda S-MX is newer by 20 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Honda S-MX weights approximately 202 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Honda S-MX 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, 2001 Honda S-MX 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, 2001 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda S-MX | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | S-MX | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
