1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1968 Opel Diplomat
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Diplomat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Diplomat would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Opel Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Opel Diplomat (227 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Opel Diplomat should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Opel Diplomat weights approximately 556 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, 1968 Opel Diplomat (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Opel Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1968 Opel Diplomat | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 121 | Diplomat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2850 mm |
