2003 Fiat Punto vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2003 Fiat Punto 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 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 285 kg more than 2003 Fiat Punto. 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 Fiat Punto, 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 (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Punto. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Punto. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2003 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 2003 Fiat Punto 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 Fiat Punto | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | Punto | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1240 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
