1984 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 120 kg more than 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Nissan 300 ZX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Nissan 300 ZX | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | 300 ZX | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2958 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2570 mm |
