2003 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2003 Ford Focus is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2003 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Focus weights approximately 50 kg more than 1979 Nissan Laurel.
Because 1979 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 1979 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Focus, 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, 1979 Nissan Laurel (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Focus | 1979 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| 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 | 1190 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
