1989 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500
To start off, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 348 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (202 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 weights approximately 353 kg more than 1989 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 427 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (264 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Laurel. 1989 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 has manual transmission. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 | |
| Make | Nissan | Ford |
| Model | Laurel | Shelby GT500 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1733 kg |
