1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2004 BMW Z4
To start off, 2004 BMW Z4 is newer by 25 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW Z4 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW Z4 weights approximately 162 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, 2004 BMW Z4 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2004 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 121 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2500 mm |
