1995 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 1981 Renault 4
To start off, 1995 Nissan 300 ZX is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 4 would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Nissan 300 ZX (279 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1981 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 890 kg more than 1981 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Renault 4, 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, 1995 Nissan 300 ZX (376 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 4. (63 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1995 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Nissan 300 ZX | 1981 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Nissan | Renault |
| Model | 300 ZX | 4 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 279 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
