2006 Dodge Caliber vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2006 Dodge Caliber 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 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Caliber (138 HP) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (60 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 320 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 Dodge Caliber, 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 Dodge Caliber (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (123 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2006 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2006 Dodge Caliber 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:
| 2006 Dodge Caliber | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Caliber | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 60 HP |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
