2007 Opel Astra vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 26 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, 2007 Opel Astra (118 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 185 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, 2007 Opel Astra, 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, 2007 Opel Astra (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2007 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2007 Opel Astra 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:
| 2007 Opel Astra | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Opel | Nissan |
| Model | Astra | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 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 | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
