2008 Ford Ranger vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2008 Ford Ranger is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,970 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Ranger (148 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 33 kg more than 2008 Ford Ranger.
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 Ranger (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Ranger will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ranger | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Ranger | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2970 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2680 mm |
