2011 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 30 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP) has 80 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (60 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 329 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (123 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 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:
2011 Volkswagen Jetta | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
Model | Jetta | Laurel |
Year Released | 2011 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1990 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 60 HP |
Torque | 320 Nm | 123 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4644 mm | 4060 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1482 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2651 mm | 2410 mm |