2003 Toyota Prius vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2003 Toyota Prius 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Prius. (76 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Prius weights approximately 122 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
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 Toyota Prius, 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 (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Toyota Prius | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Prius | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
