2003 Daihatsu Copen vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2003 Daihatsu Copen is newer by 22 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, 2003 Daihatsu Copen (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Daihatsu Copen should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 350 kg more than 2003 Daihatsu Copen.
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, 2003 Daihatsu Copen, 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (167 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Daihatsu Copen. (120 Nm). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Daihatsu Copen.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Daihatsu Copen | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Nissan |
| Model | Copen | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
