1978 Mazda 121 vs. 2001 Mini One
To start off, 2001 Mini One is newer by 23 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mini One (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mini One should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 121 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2001 Mini One.
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, 2001 Mini One, 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, 1978 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mini One. (149 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mini One.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 121 | 2001 Mini One | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | 121 | One |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
