1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2001 Porsche 996
To start off, 2001 Porsche 996 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Porsche 996 weights approximately 211 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, 2001 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2001 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | 121 | 996 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2360 mm |
