1989 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 1999 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1999 Toyota MR2 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan 300 ZX 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 31 more horse power than 1999 Toyota MR2. (140 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 520 kg more than 1999 Toyota MR2. 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota MR2. (183 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Nissan 300 ZX | 1999 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | 300 ZX | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2958 cc | 1794 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 | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2440 mm |
