1973 Datsun Laurel vs. 1976 Ford Falcon
To start off, 1976 Ford Falcon is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Datsun Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Datsun Laurel would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Falcon (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1973 Datsun Laurel. (124 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1973 Datsun Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Datsun Laurel weights approximately 300 kg more than 1976 Ford Falcon.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1976 Ford Falcon (422 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Datsun Laurel. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Datsun Laurel. 1976 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 1973 Datsun Laurel has manual transmission. 1973 Datsun Laurel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Datsun Laurel | 1976 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Datsun | Ford |
| Model | Laurel | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2830 mm |
