1978 Mazda 121 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1005 kg more than 1978 Mazda 121.
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 Mercedes-Benz CL (900 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 740 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | CL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 0 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 900 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | TBD |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5106 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2139 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1426 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2955 mm |
