1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2,950 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (227 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 432 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 Mercedes-Benz C (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | C |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1566 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
