2003 Dodge Caravan vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2003 Dodge Caravan 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 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Caravan (146 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 605 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, 2003 Dodge Caravan, 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, 2003 Dodge Caravan (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2003 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 2003 Dodge Caravan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Dodge Caravan | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Dodge | Nissan |
Model | Caravan | Laurel |
Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2393 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 146 HP | 111 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 226 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1145 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4060 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2410 mm |