1998 Ford Laser vs. 1971 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1971 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 135 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser.
Because 1971 Ford Zephyr 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 1971 Ford Zephyr. 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, 1971 Ford Zephyr (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 1971 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Laser | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2930 mm |
