1997 Ford Contour vs. 1969 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1969 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1969 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 380 kg more than 1969 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Nissan Laurel. (155 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1969 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1813 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
