1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 27 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 514 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 654 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 840 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | CL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1788 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2890 mm |
