1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2004 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mountaineer 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 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP) has 120 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 941 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 2004 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mountaineer will offer significantly more control. 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 Mountaineer (344 Nm) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm). This means 2004 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mountaineer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 121 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 210 HP |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2900 mm |
