1986 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 1989 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1989 Toyota MR2 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Toyota MR2 (221 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 220 kg more than 1989 Toyota MR2.
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, 1989 Toyota MR2 (305 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Nissan 300 ZX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Nissan 300 ZX | 1989 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | 300 ZX | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
