2004 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1984 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1984 Nissan Laurel. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1984 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 478 kg more than 1984 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Nissan Laurel. (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Golf | 1984 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Golf | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
