1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2012 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (257 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2012 Lotus Exige.
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 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Mazda 121 | 2012 Lotus Exige | |
Make | Mazda | Lotus |
Model | 121 | Exige |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 257 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 160 Nm | 236 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 909 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3797 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1727 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1158 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2299 mm |