2009 Saturn Sky vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Saturn Sky 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 Saturn Sky (260 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Sky should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saturn Sky weights approximately 134 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 Saturn Sky (353 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Saturn Sky 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 Saturn Sky has manual transmission. 2009 Saturn Sky 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 Saturn Sky | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Saturn | Nissan |
| Model | Sky | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2410 mm |
