1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1999 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 1999 Porsche Boxster is newer by 20 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Porsche Boxster (252 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 161 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, 1999 Porsche Boxster (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1999 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | 121 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2420 mm |
