2009 Mazda CX-7 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Mazda CX-7 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 16 kg more than 2009 Mazda CX-7.
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 Mazda CX-7, 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 Mazda CX-7 (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 2009 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda CX-7 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | CX-7 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
