1979 Mazda 121 vs. 2012 Volvo XC60
To start off, 2012 Volvo XC60 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volvo XC60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo XC60 (325 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC60 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo XC60 weights approximately 787 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.
Because 2012 Volvo XC60 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC60 will offer significantly more control. 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 Volvo XC60 (479 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo XC60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 2012 Volvo XC60 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 121 | XC60 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 479 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1921 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1712 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2748 mm |
