1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1994 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1994 Toyota MR2 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 101 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, 1994 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1994 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 121 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
