2009 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 424 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 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, 1998 Nissan Laurel (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1998 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 1998 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. 1998 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1998 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Focus | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2730 mm |
