2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 937 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Explorer | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2680 mm |
