1999 Audi S8 vs. 1986 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1999 Audi S8 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 4,170 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Audi S8 (247 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Audi S8 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Audi S8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Audi S8 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Audi S8 (330 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Audi S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. 1999 Audi S8 has automatic transmission and 1986 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1986 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Audi S8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Audi S8 | 1986 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Audi | Nissan |
| Model | S8 | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4170 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2530 mm |
