1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1976 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 34 kg more than 1976 Datsun 260Z.
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, 1976 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1976 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Datsun |
| Model | 121 | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2310 mm |
