1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1960 Morris Minor
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1960 Morris Minor. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1960 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 306 kg more than 1960 Morris Minor. 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Morris Minor. (66 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1960 Morris Minor | |
| Make | Mazda | Morris |
| Model | 121 | Minor |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 66 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 62.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 828 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2190 mm |
