1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1996 Seat Ibiza
To start off, 1996 Seat Ibiza 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Seat Ibiza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Seat Ibiza (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Seat Ibiza should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 34 kg more than 1996 Seat Ibiza.
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, 1996 Seat Ibiza, 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, 1996 Seat Ibiza (181 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Seat Ibiza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1996 Seat Ibiza | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | 121 | Ibiza |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2450 mm |
