1998 Ford Laser vs. 1954 Hudson Metropolitan
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Hudson Metropolitan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Hudson Metropolitan would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (128 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1954 Hudson Metropolitan. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1954 Hudson Metropolitan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Laser weights approximately 390 kg more than 1954 Hudson Metropolitan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Hudson Metropolitan 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 1954 Hudson Metropolitan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser, 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 Laser (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Hudson Metropolitan. (76 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Hudson Metropolitan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 1954 Hudson Metropolitan | |
| Make | Ford | Hudson |
| Model | Laser | Metropolitan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2170 mm |
