1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 17 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), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 346 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | E |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2840 mm |
