1998 Ford Contour vs. 1991 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1991 Nissan Laurel. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1991 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 72 kg more than 1991 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 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 1991 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Nissan Laurel. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1991 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1808 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 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 | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
