1978 Mazda 121 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1978 Mazda 121 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,523 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 410 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 121 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | 250 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2523 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3430 mm |
