2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 1989 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2008 Dodge Caliber is newer by 19 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Caliber (285 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Laurel.
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, 2008 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber (359 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 1989 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Caliber | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2680 mm |
