1959 Berkeley QB vs. 1977 Mazda 121
To start off, 1977 Mazda 121 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mazda 121 (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mazda 121 weights approximately 749 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Mazda 121 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 1977 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, 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, 1977 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (58 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley QB | 1977 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Berkeley | Mazda |
| Model | QB | 121 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 691 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 381 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2520 mm |
