1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1987 Renault 5
To start off, 1987 Renault 5 is newer by 8 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, 1987 Renault 5 (118 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 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 276 kg more than 1987 Renault 5.
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, 1987 Renault 5, 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, 1987 Renault 5 (165 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 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 | 1987 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | 121 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 7.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
