2006 Mazda 3 vs. 1989 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Laurel (202 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 251 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3, 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, 1989 Nissan Laurel (264 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 1989 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 1989 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2680 mm |
