1985 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 27 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), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 521 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 2012 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (474 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (235 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. 2012 Ford Taurus 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. 2012 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Nissan | Ford |
| Model | 300 ZX | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| 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 | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2868 mm |
