1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2011 Alpina B5
To start off, 2011 Alpina B5 is newer by 32 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 403 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B5 weights approximately 586 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, 2011 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 540 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2011 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alpina |
| Model | 121 | B5 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2890 mm |
