1998 Ford Laser vs. 1996 Mazda MPV
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MPV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MPV would be higher. At 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda MPV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MPV (114 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1998 Ford Laser. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MPV should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda MPV weights approximately 675 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mazda MPV 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 1996 Mazda MPV. 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, 1996 Mazda MPV (277 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda MPV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 1996 Mazda MPV | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Laser | MPV |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2850 mm |
