2001 Mitsubishi Dion vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2001 Mitsubishi Dion 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mitsubishi Dion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mitsubishi Dion (133 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mitsubishi Dion should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mitsubishi Dion weights approximately 240 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 1981 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 1981 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mitsubishi Dion, 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 Mitsubishi Dion (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Mitsubishi Dion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 2001 Mitsubishi Dion has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mitsubishi Dion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mitsubishi Dion | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
| Model | Dion | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
