1994 Mazda 323 vs. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1994 Mazda 323 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP) has 97 more horse power than 1994 Mazda 323. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 475 kg more than 1994 Mazda 323. 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, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX (235 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda 323. (103 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1985 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda 323 | 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 323 | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1322 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 171 HP |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2530 mm |
