1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Mariner (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 436 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.
Because 1979 Mazda 121 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 121 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
