2008 Ford Focus vs. 1974 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1974 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1974 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 13 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
Because 1974 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 1974 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Ford Focus (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Nissan Laurel. (169 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1974 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
