1989 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada. 1981 Ford Granada has automatic transmission and 1989 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Granada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan 300 ZX | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Nissan | Ford |
| Model | 300 ZX | Granada |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2958 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2780 mm |
