1985 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 26 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 140 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.
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, 2011 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (235 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. 2011 Lexus IS 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. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Nissan | Lexus |
| Model | 300 ZX | IS |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2728 mm |
