2004 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2004 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 23 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 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 10 kg more than 2004 Fiat Barchetta.
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, 2004 Fiat Barchetta, 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 (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. (162 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2004 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 2004 Fiat Barchetta 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:
| 2004 Fiat Barchetta | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | Barchetta | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1755 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
