1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2002 MG TF
To start off, 2002 MG TF 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 MG TF (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 MG TF should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 14 kg more than 2002 MG TF.
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 MG TF (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 MG TF will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2002 MG TF | |
| Make | Mazda | MG |
| Model | 121 | TF |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2380 mm |
