1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 264. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 264 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 264 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 264 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 264 weights approximately 322 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, 1978 Volvo 264 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 264 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 121 | 264 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
