1998 Ford Laser vs. 1956 Ford Consul
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Consul 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 81 more horse power than 1956 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Laser weights approximately 111 kg more than 1956 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Consul 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 1956 Ford Consul. 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 1956 Ford Consul | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Laser | Consul |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
| 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 | 1200 kg | 1089 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 47 L |
