2009 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1976 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Elantra (104 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1976 Nissan Laurel. (98 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1976 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 86 kg more than 1976 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 1976 Nissan Laurel (169 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Elantra. (143 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 1976 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Model | Elantra | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
