1996 Ford Taurus vs. 1968 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1996 Ford Taurus is newer by 28 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 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1968 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1968 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 578 kg more than 1968 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1996 Ford Taurus, 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, 1996 Ford Taurus (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Nissan Laurel. (155 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 1968 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taurus | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 1815 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
