2009 Citroen C3 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen C3 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C3 weights approximately 74 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 Citroen C3, 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 Citroen C3 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2009 Citroen C3 has manual transmission. 2009 Citroen C3 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:
| 2009 Citroen C3 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | C3 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 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 | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1202 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3870 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
