1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 698 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 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 121 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
