1981 Mazda 121 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1981 Mazda 121 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 121. (86 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1981 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 121. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda 121 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2800 mm |
