1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2005 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour 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, 2005 Smart ForFour (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 159 kg more than 2005 Smart ForFour.
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 Smart ForFour, 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForFour. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2005 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | 121 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| 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 | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
