2009 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,824 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 119 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
Because 1997 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 1997 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Focus (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (182 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Laurel. 1997 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1997 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 2824 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1311 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2730 mm |
