1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1994 Saab 900
To start off, 1994 Saab 900 is newer by 15 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Saab 900 (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Saab 900 weights approximately 211 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, 1994 Saab 900, 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, 1994 Saab 900 (227 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1994 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Mazda | Saab |
| Model | 121 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 227 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2530 mm |
