1979 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda 121 (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 121 weights approximately 189 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Escort is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Mazda 121 (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Escort | 1996 Mazda 121 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Escort | 121 |
Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 1753 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 110 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1064 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3830 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2460 mm |