2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1998 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Laurel. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1998 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 1998 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber, 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 Dodge Caliber (220 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Laurel. 1998 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Caliber will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1998 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Caliber | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2730 mm |
