1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2005 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2005 Toyota Celica 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 Toyota Celica (140 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 34 kg more than 2005 Toyota Celica.
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 Toyota Celica, 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, 2005 Toyota Celica (170 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm). This means 2005 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2005 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 121 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
