1981 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1981 Ford Escort is newer by 2 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Ford Escort, 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 121 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2520 mm |
