2004 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 72 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1978 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 1978 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1978 Nissan Laurel (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. 1978 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Volkswagen Golf | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
Model | Golf | Laurel |
Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1770 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 70 HP | 97 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 126 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 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 | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2680 mm |