1986 Ford Escort vs. 1982 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Nissan Laurel (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 245 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 1982 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 1982 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, 1982 Nissan Laurel (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1982 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1982 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1982 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
