1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 10 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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 592 kg more than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. 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, 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (235 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1985 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SLK | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2052 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2530 mm |
