2009 Ford Fiesta vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Ford Fiesta is newer by 31 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 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2009 Ford Fiesta. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 118 kg more than 2009 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Fiesta, 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 Fiesta (204 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel. 1978 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Fiesta | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Fiesta | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1022 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2680 mm |
