2001 Nissan Laurel vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 9 kg more than 2001 Nissan Laurel.
Because 2001 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 2001 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 Nissan Laurel (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Nissan Laurel | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laurel | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
