1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 9 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 2,492 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 356 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.
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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 121 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2670 mm |
