2009 BMW 120 vs. 1985 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 24 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 3 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1985 Nissan 300 ZX.
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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1985 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 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. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1985 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 120 | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2530 mm |
