2002 Dodge Neon vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2002 Dodge Neon is newer by 21 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Neon (212 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Neon should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 4 kg more than 2002 Dodge Neon.
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, 2002 Dodge Neon, 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, 2002 Dodge Neon (304 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Dodge Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Neon | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Neon | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
