1978 Mazda 121 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 35 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 675 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 121 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 121 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
