2012 GMC Canyon vs. 1979 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2012 GMC Canyon is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 GMC Canyon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Canyon (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Canyon should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Canyon weights approximately 1338 kg more than 1979 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 GMC Canyon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Nissan Laurel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 GMC Canyon will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 GMC Canyon (259 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Canyon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Laurel. 1979 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2012 GMC Canyon has manual transmission. 2012 GMC Canyon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 GMC Canyon | 1979 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | GMC | Nissan |
| Model | Canyon | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2901 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2478 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2680 mm |
