1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2009 Mercury Milan
To start off, 2009 Mercury Milan is newer by 30 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Milan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Milan (160 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Milan should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Milan 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 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, 2009 Mercury Milan, 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, 2009 Mercury Milan (212 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Milan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2009 Mercury Milan | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 121 | Milan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 12.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
