1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 31 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 426 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, 2010 BMW 120 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 121 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
