2004 Toyota Previa vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2004 Toyota Previa 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota Previa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Previa (157 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Previa should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Previa weights approximately 385 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, 2004 Toyota Previa, 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, 2004 Toyota Previa (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota Previa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2004 Toyota Previa has manual transmission. 2004 Toyota Previa 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 Toyota Previa | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Toyota | Nissan |
| Model | Previa | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 147 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2680 mm |
