1977 Mazda 121 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 432 more horse power than 1977 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 809 kg more than 1977 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 470 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mazda 121 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | SL |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |
