1977 Bristol 412 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Bristol 412 weights approximately 556 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, 1977 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Bristol 412 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 412 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2520 mm |
