1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1974 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 14 kg more than 1974 Nissan Laurel.
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, 1974 Nissan Laurel (169 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1974 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 121 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
