1978 Mazda 121 vs. 1988 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1988 Opel Vectra is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Opel Vectra (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 121 weights approximately 71 kg more than 1988 Opel Vectra.
Because 1978 Mazda 121 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Opel Vectra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Opel Vectra (180 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 121 | 1988 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 121 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1059 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
