1983 Ford Laser vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1983 Ford Laser is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1983 Ford Laser. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 1155 kg more than 1983 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Laser, 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Laser. (121 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Laser. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1983 Ford Laser has manual transmission. 1983 Ford Laser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Laser | 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Laser | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 3080 mm |
