1998 Ford Focus vs. 1973 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1973 Nissan Laurel. (98 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1973 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 46 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1973 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 1973 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, 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 Focus (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Nissan Laurel. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1973 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
