1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1997 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1997 TVR Chimaera 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 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 109 kg more than 1997 TVR Chimaera.
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 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1997 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Mazda | TVR |
| Model | 121 | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2290 mm |
