1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1969 ZAZ 966
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 ZAZ 966. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 ZAZ 966 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 63 more horse power than 1969 ZAZ 966. (27 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1969 ZAZ 966. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 394 kg more than 1969 ZAZ 966. 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 ZAZ 966. (52 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 ZAZ 966.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1969 ZAZ 966 | |
| Make | Mazda | ZAZ |
| Model | 121 | 966 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 887 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 72.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 54.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2170 mm |
