1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (451 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 361 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 521 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 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 440 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | C |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 451 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2766 mm |
