1959 BMW 507 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 507 (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 507 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 507 weights approximately 116 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121. 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, 1959 BMW 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 507 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 507 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
