1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1996 Mitsubishi L 200
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi L 200 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 2,477 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi L 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi L 200 (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi L 200 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi L 200 weights approximately 571 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 1996 Mitsubishi L 200 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi L 200 will offer significantly more control. 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 Mitsubishi L 200 (246 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi L 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1996 Mitsubishi L 200 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 121 | L 200 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2477 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2970 mm |
