1971 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1978 Mazda 121
To start off, 1978 Mazda 121 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 399 kg more than 1978 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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | 1978 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | 121 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1529 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
