2001 Ford Ka vs. 1980 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2001 Ford Ka is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2001 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 260 kg more than 2001 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Nissan Laurel 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 1980 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Ka, 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, 1980 Nissan Laurel (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Ka | 1980 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ka | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2680 mm |
