1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 23 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 266 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 121 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2450 mm |
