2004 Honda Civic vs. 1986 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 18 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 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 306 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic, 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, 1986 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (149 Nm). This means 1986 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic. 2004 Honda Civic 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. 2004 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1986 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1154 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2530 mm |
