2009 Lexus IS vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS 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 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 515 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Lexus IS (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2009 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Lexus | Nissan |
| Model | IS | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2231 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
