1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 320 weights approximately 356 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 BMW 320 (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 121 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2810 mm |
