1980 Ford Escort vs. 1977 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Nissan Laurel (129 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 395 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 1977 Nissan Laurel (221 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1977 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2680 mm |
