1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 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 38 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 124 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 121 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2340 mm |
