1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1992 Porsche 968
To start off, 1992 Porsche 968 is newer by 13 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 2,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Porsche 968 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Porsche 968 (241 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Porsche 968 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Porsche 968 weights approximately 266 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, 1992 Porsche 968 (305 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 Porsche 968 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1992 Porsche 968 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | 121 | 968 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 104 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
