2009 Daihatsu Copen vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Daihatsu Copen 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 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 220 kg more than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. 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 Daihatsu Copen, 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. (120 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Daihatsu Copen. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2009 Daihatsu Copen has manual transmission. 2009 Daihatsu Copen 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 Daihatsu Copen | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Nissan |
| Model | Copen | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
