1978 Mazda 121 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 26 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), 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (361 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 505 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 121 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| 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 | 361 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
