1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1990 Rover 400
To start off, 1990 Rover 400 is newer by 11 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, 1990 Rover 400 (94 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 108 kg more than 1990 Rover 400.
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, 1990 Rover 400, 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover 400. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1990 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | 121 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |
