2004 Ford Focus vs. 1980 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 24 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 1,789 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2004 Ford Focus. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 158 kg more than 1980 Nissan Laurel.
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, 2004 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, 2004 Ford Focus (200 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Nissan Laurel. (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Focus | 1980 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1789 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1298 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2680 mm |
