1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1971 Volvo 140
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volvo 140. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volvo 140 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volvo 140 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1971 Volvo 140. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1971 Volvo 140. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volvo 140 weights approximately 126 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121.
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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volvo 140. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volvo 140.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1971 Volvo 140 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 121 | 140 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
