1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1997 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1997 Nissan Laurel is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,824 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Laurel (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 630 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1997 Nissan Laurel (182 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1997 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2824 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2730 mm |
