1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2005 Seat Leon
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon is newer by 26 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 16 more horse power than 2005 Seat Leon. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 2005 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Leon weights approximately 104 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121.
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, 2005 Seat Leon, 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Seat Leon. (120 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Seat Leon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | 121 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
