2001 Mazda Roadster vs. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2001 Mazda Roadster is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda Roadster (197 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 395 kg more than 2001 Mazda Roadster.
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, 1989 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda Roadster. (196 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda Roadster | 1989 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | Roadster | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
