1987 Ford Laser vs. 1972 Toyota Publica
To start off, 1987 Ford Laser is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Publica would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Laser (66 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Publica. (38 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Laser weights approximately 125 kg more than 1972 Toyota Publica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Toyota Publica 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 Toyota Publica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Ford Laser (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Toyota Publica. (62 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Laser | 1972 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Laser | Publica |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2170 mm |
