1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1993 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1993 Plymouth Neon is newer by 14 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), 1993 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Plymouth Neon (150 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Plymouth Neon weights approximately 16 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, 1993 Plymouth Neon, 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, 1993 Plymouth Neon (183 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Plymouth Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1993 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Mazda | Plymouth |
| Model | 121 | Neon |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1993 |
| 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 | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
