2005 Renault Vel Satis vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2005 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 24 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Renault Vel Satis (168 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 512 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, 2005 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2005 Renault Vel Satis (270 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2005 Renault Vel Satis has manual transmission. 2005 Renault Vel Satis 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:
| 2005 Renault Vel Satis | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Renault | Nissan |
| Model | Vel Satis | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
