2012 Volvo S80 vs. 1979 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2012 Volvo S80 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo S80 weights approximately 469 kg more than 1979 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1979 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 1979 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S80, 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 Volvo S80 (240 Nm) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm). This means 2012 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volvo S80 | 1979 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Volvo | Nissan |
| Model | S80 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 97 HP |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 147 Nm |
| 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 | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1609 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4628 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1864 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1483 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2680 mm |
