1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 226 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
