1998 Ford Laser vs. 2012 Suzuki Equator
To start off, 2012 Suzuki Equator is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Suzuki Equator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Suzuki Equator (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1998 Ford Laser. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Suzuki Equator should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Laser weights approximately 170 kg more than 2012 Suzuki Equator.
Because 2012 Suzuki Equator 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 2012 Suzuki Equator. 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, 2012 Suzuki Equator (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (168 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Suzuki Equator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 2012 Suzuki Equator | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Laser | Equator |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 80 L |
