1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 12 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 3,198 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 766 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 (310 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3050 mm |
