2006 Renault Grand Espace vs. 1979 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2006 Renault Grand Espace is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Renault Grand Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Renault Grand Espace (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Renault Grand Espace should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Renault Grand Espace weights approximately 822 kg more than 1979 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Renault Grand Espace, 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 Renault Grand Espace (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Renault Grand Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Renault Grand Espace | 1979 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Renault | Nissan |
| Model | Grand Espace | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2958 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1962 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2680 mm |
