1978 Mazda 121 vs. 1995 Renault Laguna
To start off, 1995 Renault Laguna is newer by 17 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Renault Laguna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Renault Laguna (115 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Renault Laguna should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Renault Laguna weights approximately 185 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.
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, 1995 Renault Laguna, 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, 1995 Renault Laguna (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 121 | 1995 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | 121 | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
