1978 Mazda 121 vs. 2003 Porsche 911
To start off, 2003 Porsche 911 is newer by 25 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche 911 (443 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 357 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Porsche 911 weights approximately 574 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 2003 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Porsche 911 (620 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 121 | 2003 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | 121 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 443 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2360 mm |
