1984 Ford Tempo vs. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1984 Ford Tempo. (89 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 355 kg more than 1984 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Tempo, 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, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Tempo. (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Tempo | 1989 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Tempo | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2306 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2530 mm |
