1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121.
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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (254 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mountaineer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 121 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1880 mm |
