2002 Mazda 6 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (120 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 292 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, 2002 Mazda 6, 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 Mazda 6 (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 6 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 6 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
