1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 3 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 (231 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 476 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 (405 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
