2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 31 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 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 720 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, 2012 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2012 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
2012 Toyota Highlander | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Toyota | Nissan |
Model | Highlander | Laurel |
Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2700 cc | 1952 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 102 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 252 Nm | 163 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1070 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4785 mm | 4060 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2410 mm |