1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Rover 3.5 (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 504 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, 1974 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | 121 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2820 mm |
