2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 322 more horse power than 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 675 kg more than 1989 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 567 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan 300 ZX. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1989 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1989 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 1989 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2530 mm |
