Datsun Laurel

Which Datsun Laurel Version Should You Buy?

The best Datsun Laurel version depends on whether you want performance, lower fuel consumption, or a particular body style. The third-generation Coupe, produced from 1977 to 1981, offers 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.4 MT, and 2.4 AT versions. The fourth-generation Sedan, produced from 1980 to 1984, broadens the choice with gasoline 2.0 and 2.4 versions plus diesel 2.8 MT and 2.8 AT alternatives.

The best Datsun Laurel version depends on whether you want performance, lower fuel consumption, or a particular body style. The third-generation Coupe, produced from 1977 to 1981, offers 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.4 MT, and 2.4 AT versions. The fourth-generation Sedan, produced from 1980 to 1984, broadens the choice with gasoline 2.0 and 2.4 versions plus diesel 2.8 MT and 2.8 AT alternatives. For the strongest performance, the fourth-generation 2.4 MT with 120 hp is the leading choice: it reaches 180 km/h and has a measured 0–100 km/h time of 11.5 seconds. For the lowest combined consumption, choose the fourth-generation 2.8 MT at 8.1 l/100 km. Buyers who specifically prefer a Coupe must choose the third generation, while the fourth generation is exclusively a Sedan in the supplied data.

Datsun Laurel generations: Coupe or Sedan?

The third-generation Datsun Laurel was produced from 1977 to 1981 as a Coupe, with 8 listed modifications. Its engine range consists of 1,998 cc and 2,393 cc naturally aspirated Gasoline units. Every version has an Inline 6-cylinder engine in a Front, longitudinal position, with RWD. Depending on the version, the transmission is a 4- or 5-speed Manual or a 3-speed Automatic.

The fourth-generation Datsun Laurel was produced from 1980 to 1984 as a Sedan, also with 8 listed modifications. Its range includes naturally aspirated Gasoline engines of 1,998 cc and 2,393 cc, together with a naturally aspirated 2,793 cc Diesel. All are Inline 6-cylinder engines mounted Front, longitudinal and driving the rear wheels through RWD. Transmission choices comprise 5-speed Manual, 3-speed Automatic, and—on the 120 hp 2.4 AT—a 4-speed Automatic.

The production periods overlap from 1980 to 1981. The supplied information therefore identifies these as separate generations with different body types, not as one generation and a restyling.

Datsun Laurel engine and specs comparison

Because several database entries share the same version name, generation, power, and basic engine specification, the table keeps every entry and distinguishes otherwise identical names by kerb weight. The two fourth-generation 2.4 MT and 2.4 AT specifications are additionally separated by power.

The 1,998 cc engine produces about 48.5 hp per litre. The third-generation 2,393 cc engine produces about 47.2 hp per litre, while the fourth-generation 2,393 cc specifications produce about 47.2 hp per litre with 113 hp or 50.1 hp per litre with 120 hp. The 2,793 cc Diesel produces about 30.1 hp per litre.

Moving from a 97 hp 2.0 version to a 113 hp 2.4 version adds 16 hp. Choosing the fourth-generation 120 hp 2.4 specification instead adds 23 hp over the 97 hp 2.0 and 7 hp over the 113 hp 2.4. The third-generation 2.4 produces 181 Nm, which is 41 Nm more than its 2.0. In the fourth generation, the 113 hp 2.4 provides 174 Nm and the 120 hp specification provides 180 Nm, compared with 140 Nm from the 2.0. The 2.8 Diesel delivers 162 Nm: 22 Nm more than the fourth-generation 2.0, but 18 Nm less than the 120 hp 2.4.

Datsun Laurel performance and fuel consumption

Only three versions have measured acceleration figures. The third-generation 2.0 MT at 1,200 kg takes 14.4 seconds, the third-generation 2.4 MT takes 12.2 seconds, and the fourth-generation 2.4 MT with 120 hp takes 11.5 seconds. Acceleration for every other version is not measured.

For maximum speed, the fourth-generation 2.4 MT with 120 hp leads at 180 km/h. The fourth-generation 2.0 MT, 2.4 MT with 113 hp, and 2.4 AT with 120 hp each reach 175 km/h. The diesel choices are slower, at 150 km/h for the 2.8 AT and 155 km/h for the 2.8 MT.

The fourth-generation 2.8 MT has the lowest consumption in all three listed cycles: 9.4 l/100 km in the city, 6.1 l/100 km on the highway, and 8.1 l/100 km combined. Compared with the fourth-generation 2.8 AT, it uses 2.0 l/100 km less in the city, 1.9 l/100 km less on the highway, and 1.4 l/100 km less combined, while also raising top speed by 5 km/h.

Among the Gasoline Sedan versions, the fourth-generation 2.0 MT has the lowest combined figure at 9.2 l/100 km. Its combined consumption is 0.8 l/100 km below the fourth-generation 2.0 AT, and its top speed is 10 km/h higher. The automatic nevertheless records a city figure 1.3 l/100 km below the manual.

Datsun Laurel dimensions, weight, clearance and tank capacity

No exterior dimensions or wheel sizes are measured for any listed Datsun Laurel version. Kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, and fuel-tank capacity are available.

The third-generation Coupe weighs from 1,180 to 1,225 kg in 2.0 form. The 2.4 MT weighs 1,210 kg, and the 2.4 AT weighs 1,215 kg. Gross weight is not measured for the 1,220 kg 2.0 MT or the 1,225 kg 2.0 AT; it is 1,650 kg for the other listed third-generation versions. Ground clearance is either 165 or 170 mm, and every third-generation version has a 60-litre tank. Wheel sizes are not measured.

The fourth-generation Sedan weighs 1,125 kg as the 2.0 MT and 1,130 kg as the 2.0 AT. The 113 hp 2.4 versions weigh 1,170 kg with Manual and 1,175 kg with Automatic. The 120 hp 2.4 MT weighs 1,195 kg, while the 120 hp 2.4 AT weighs 1,215 kg. The 2.8 MT weighs 1,235 kg and the 2.8 AT weighs 1,240 kg. Gross weight is 1,650 kg for the 2.0 and 113 hp 2.4 versions, 1,680 kg for the 120 hp 2.4 versions, and 1,700 kg for both diesels. Every fourth-generation version has 165 mm of clearance and a 65-litre tank. Wheel sizes are not measured.

Weight per horsepower further separates the choices. The fourth-generation 2.4 MT with 120 hp has about 10.0 kg/hp, better than the third-generation 2.4 MT at about 10.7 kg/hp and the fourth-generation 2.4 MT with 113 hp at about 10.4 kg/hp. The fourth-generation 2.8 MT has about 14.7 kg/hp, making its advantage economy rather than power-to-weight performance.

Which Datsun Laurel version should you choose?

Choose the third-generation 2.4 MT if a Coupe body is essential and you want the strongest measured Coupe performance. Its 113 hp and 181 Nm exceed the third-generation 2.0 versions by 16 hp and 41 Nm. It reaches 170 km/h and completes 0–100 km/h in 12.2 seconds, versus 14.4 seconds for the measured 2.0 MT. The trade-off is city consumption of 14.0 l/100 km.

Choose the fourth-generation 2.4 MT with 120 hp for outright performance. Its 180 km/h maximum and 11.5-second 0–100 km/h result are the best measured figures in the dataset. It also combines 120 hp and 180 Nm with 9.5 l/100 km combined consumption.

Choose the fourth-generation 2.0 MT as the balanced Gasoline option. It produces 97 hp and 140 Nm, reaches 175 km/h, and consumes 9.2 l/100 km combined. Against the 120 hp 2.4 MT, it gives up 23 hp, 40 Nm, and 5 km/h, but saves 0.3 l/100 km in combined consumption and carries 70 kg less kerb weight.

Choose the fourth-generation 2.8 MT when fuel consumption matters most. Its 84 hp output and 155 km/h top speed trail the Gasoline alternatives, but its 8.1 l/100 km combined result is 1.1 l/100 km lower than the best Gasoline figure. Choose the 2.8 AT only if Automatic is a requirement: it consumes more than the 2.8 MT in every listed cycle and has a top speed 5 km/h lower.

The data contains no prices, sale listings, reliability records, or problem reports. A Datsun Laurel for sale therefore cannot be judged here by value, condition, or regional availability; the defensible choice can only be based on the supplied body, engine, transmission, performance, consumption, and weight figures.