2009 Ford Escape vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape is newer by 28 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. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (123 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 273 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape.
Because 1981 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 1981 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape, 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, 2009 Ford Escape (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (222 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Escape | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escape | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
