1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1981 Volvo 343 is newer by 2 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 343 (117 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121.
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, both vehicles can yield 160 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 121 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
