1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 319 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | 121 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 1820 mm |
