1987 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
Because 1987 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 1987 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 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, 1987 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1987 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has automatic transmission and 1987 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1987 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Nissan 300 ZX | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Nissan | Chevrolet |
| Model | 300 ZX | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1797 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2685 mm |
