2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX (235 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1985 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 2008 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1985 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
