2002 Nissan Altima vs. 1983 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1983 Nissan Laurel. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1983 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 226 kg more than 1983 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Nissan Laurel. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Nissan Altima | 1983 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Altima | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 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 | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2410 mm |
