1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (172 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 646 kg more than 1979 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (255 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2910 mm |
