1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1998 Mazda 121
To start off, 1998 Mazda 121 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 194 kg more than 1998 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Mustang 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 1981 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 121, 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 1998 Mazda 121 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Mustang | 121 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1242 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 110 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 991 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3830 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2460 mm |