1971 Dodge Dart vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Dodge Dart. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Dodge Dart would be higher. At 3,249 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Dodge Dart is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Dodge Dart (100 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Dodge Dart should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Dodge Dart weights approximately 221 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, 1971 Dodge Dart (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Dodge Dart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Dodge Dart | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Dart | 121 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3249 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2520 mm |
