1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1982 Renault 5
To start off, 1982 Renault 5 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 164 kg more than 1982 Renault 5.
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 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1982 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | 121 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2490 mm |
