1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1978 Volvo 66
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 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 66.
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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 66. (94 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 66.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1978 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 121 | 66 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1550 mm |
