1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 33 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (420 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 576 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, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (469 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | |
| Make | Mazda | Aston Martin |
| Model | 121 | V8 Vantage |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 469 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 | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4382 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1867 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2601 mm |
