2009 Kia Rondo vs. 2002 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Kia Rondo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,656 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Rondo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Rondo (198 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Laurel. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rondo should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 105 kg more than 2009 Kia Rondo.
Because 2002 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 2002 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Rondo, 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 Kia Rondo (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Laurel. (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Rondo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rondo | 2002 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Rondo | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2656 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
