1989 Ford Probe vs. 1973 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1989 Ford Probe is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Probe (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1973 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1973 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Probe weights approximately 130 kg more than 1973 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Probe, 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, 1989 Ford Probe (180 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Nissan Laurel. (169 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Probe | 1973 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Probe | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2680 mm |
