2009 Volvo V50 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Volvo V50 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 Volvo V50 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo V50 weights approximately 252 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 Volvo V50, 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 Volvo V50 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo V50 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 Volvo V50 has manual transmission. 2009 Volvo V50 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 Volvo V50 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Volvo | Nissan |
| Model | V50 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2435 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1462 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
