2003 GMC Sonoma vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2003 GMC Sonoma 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 GMC Sonoma (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 GMC Sonoma should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 GMC Sonoma weights approximately 260 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 2003 GMC Sonoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Nissan Laurel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 GMC Sonoma will offer significantly more control. 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 GMC Sonoma (190 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 GMC Sonoma 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 GMC Sonoma has manual transmission. 2003 GMC Sonoma 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 GMC Sonoma | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | GMC | Nissan |
| Model | Sonoma | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2410 mm |
