1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2012 Toyota iQ
To start off, 2012 Toyota iQ 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 Toyota iQ (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota iQ should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 274 kg more than 2012 Toyota iQ.
Because 1979 Mazda 121 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota iQ, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota iQ. (118 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota iQ.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2012 Toyota iQ | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 121 | iQ |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1329 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3051 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2000 mm |
