1997 Ford Contour vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 102 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 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 (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Contour | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Ford | Nissan |
Model | Contour | Laurel |
Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1770 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 97 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |