2009 BMW 316 vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 BMW 316 is newer by 31 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 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 316 weights approximately 180 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 BMW 316 (150 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel. 1978 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 316 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:
| 2009 BMW 316 | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 316 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2680 mm |
