1986 Ford Escort vs. 1968 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,815 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Nissan Laurel (85 HP) has 7 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (78 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 89 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1968 Nissan Laurel (155 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (127 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1968 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1815 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 85 HP |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
