2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 25 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (144 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 542 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
