1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1997 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1997 Nissan Laurel is newer by 18 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 2,824 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Laurel (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 296 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, 1997 Nissan Laurel (182 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1997 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 121 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2824 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
