1981 Mazda 121 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 407 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1050 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 639 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 121. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda 121 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3090 mm |
