1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 186 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 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 121 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
