1978 Mazda 121 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 29 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 868 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 121 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | CL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1998 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2960 mm |
