1988 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 550 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Nissan 300 ZX | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300 ZX | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2480 mm |
