2008 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Elantra (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 48 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Elantra, 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 Hyundai Elantra (236 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel. 1978 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2008 Hyundai Elantra has manual transmission. 2008 Hyundai Elantra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Elantra | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Model | Elantra | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
