2009 Cadillac DTS vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Cadillac DTS is newer by 28 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac DTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac DTS (276 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac DTS weights approximately 507 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, 2009 Cadillac DTS, 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, 2009 Cadillac DTS (400 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac DTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac DTS | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Cadillac | Nissan |
| Model | DTS | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
