1998 Ford Focus vs. 1989 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 55 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1989 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 1989 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 (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Laurel. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1989 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
