1979 Lada 1200 vs. 1991 Mazda 121
To start off, 1991 Mazda 121 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,322 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mazda 121 (71 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lada 1200 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1991 Mazda 121.
Because 1979 Lada 1200 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 Lada 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Mazda 121 (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1991 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lada 1200 | 1991 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | 1200 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1322 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 43 L |
