1978 Mazda 121 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 21 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 775 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 121 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 356 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3090 mm |
