1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 5 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Mazda 121 | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Mazda | Mazda |
Model | 121 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 160 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1139 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2329 mm |