1970 Datsun 100A Cherry vs. 1981 Mazda 121
To start off, 1981 Mazda 121 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda 121 (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry. (58 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda 121 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry, 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, 1981 Mazda 121 (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry. (81 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Datsun 100A Cherry | 1981 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Datsun | Mazda |
| Model | 100A Cherry | 121 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 988 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 98 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2520 mm |
