1978 Mazda 121 vs. 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is newer by 34 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 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 448 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, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 121 | 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Mazda | Suzuki |
| Model | 121 | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2640 mm |
