1985 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar 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 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 150 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. 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 Mercury Cougar, 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, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX (235 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar. 1999 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercury |
| Model | 300 ZX | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
