2009 Mazda CX-9 vs. 1989 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Mazda CX-9 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 3,726 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mazda CX-9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda CX-9 (273 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda CX-9 should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda CX-9 weights approximately 99 kg more than 1989 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda CX-9, 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-9 (366 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda CX-9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Laurel. 2009 Mazda CX-9 has automatic transmission and 1989 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1989 Nissan Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda CX-9 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda CX-9 | 1989 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | CX-9 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3726 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2680 mm |
