1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 7,460 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (360 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 581 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (678 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 518 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | 121 | GTO |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 7460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 678 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2850 mm |
