2004 Ford Laser vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Soul (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2004 Ford Laser. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Soul weights approximately 71 kg more than 2004 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Kia Soul (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Laser. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Laser. 2011 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Laser has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Laser will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Laser | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Laser | Soul |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2550 mm |
