2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1979 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1979 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1979 Nissan Laurel (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. 1979 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1979 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Nissan |
| Model | 156 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2680 mm |
