1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2011 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2011 Toyota Tacoma 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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 54 kg more than 2011 Toyota Tacoma.
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 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2011 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 121 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2790 mm |
