1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2012 BMW 528
To start off, 2012 BMW 528 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 528 (240 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 528 weights approximately 596 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 528 (352 Nm @ 1250 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 528 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 528 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | 121 | 528 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2968 mm |
