1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2007 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2007 Mercury Mariner is newer by 28 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 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercury Mariner (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 791 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 2007 Mercury Mariner 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, 2007 Mercury Mariner 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, 2007 Mercury Mariner (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2007 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 121 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 12.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
