1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (5 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 59 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1979 Mazda 121 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (167 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Mazda 121 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
Model | 121 | Passat |
Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1994 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 160 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 77.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1075 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |