1981 Honda Accord vs. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 570 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Nissan 300 ZX 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 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Accord, 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, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 1988 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Accord | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2530 mm |
