1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 6 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 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 354 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2810 mm |
