1976 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2012 Ford Transit Connect is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Transit Connect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Transit Connect (136 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1976 Nissan Laurel. (98 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Transit Connect should accelerate faster than 1976 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Transit Connect weights approximately 454 kg more than 1976 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Transit Connect, 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 Ford Transit Connect (173 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Nissan Laurel. (169 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Transit Connect will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | Nissan | Ford |
| Model | Laurel | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Panel Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4587 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 2014 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2911 mm |
