2009 Pontiac Torrent vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Torrent 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Torrent is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Torrent (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Torrent should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Pontiac Torrent weights approximately 119 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.
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 Pontiac Torrent, 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 Pontiac Torrent (339 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac Torrent will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Pontiac Torrent | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Torrent | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2410 mm |
