2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1984 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 530 kg more than 1984 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1984 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1984 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 1984 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | S | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2530 mm |
