1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1995 Volvo 960
To start off, 1995 Volvo 960 is newer by 16 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 2,473 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volvo 960 weights approximately 366 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, 1995 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1995 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 121 | 960 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2780 mm |
