1985 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 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 31 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 60 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (235 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300 ZX | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2578 mm |
