1998 Ford Contour vs. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 13 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, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 49 kg more than 1998 Ford Contour.
Because 1985 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 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour, 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, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX (235 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1985 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Contour | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6625 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2530 mm |
