1994 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Nissan 300 ZX (279 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 192 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 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 1994 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 1994 Nissan 300 ZX (376 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1994 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Nissan 300 ZX | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | 300 ZX | GTI |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 279 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2578 mm |
