1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 22 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 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 273 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.
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, 2001 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 121 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
