1980 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1981 Nissan Laurel is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 290 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 1981 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 1981 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 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 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Ford | Nissan |
Model | Escort | Laurel |
Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1770 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 69 HP | 97 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 100 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2680 mm |