2004 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1977 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Nissan Laurel (127 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 40 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1977 Nissan Laurel (210 Nm) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (166 Nm). This means 1977 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1977 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | New Beetle | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2680 mm |
