1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2010 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2010 Toyota Prius 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Toyota Prius (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Prius weights approximately 246 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, 2010 Toyota Prius, 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2010 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 121 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2700 mm |
