1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1999 Toyota MR-S
To start off, 1999 Toyota MR-S 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota MR-S (140 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota MR-S should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 164 kg more than 1999 Toyota MR-S.
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 Toyota MR-S (176 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota MR-S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1999 Toyota MR-S | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 121 | MR-S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
