1985 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 1999 Acura RL
To start off, 1999 Acura RL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Acura RL weights approximately 215 kg more than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Acura RL, 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, 1999 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (235 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. 1999 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1985 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | 1999 Acura RL | |
| Make | Nissan | Acura |
| Model | 300 ZX | RL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2920 mm |
