1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 241 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, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | SE |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
