1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 101 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 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | 121 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
