1982 Alpine A 310 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1982 Alpine A 310 is newer by 3 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 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Alpine A 310 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Alpine A 310 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Alpine A 310 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1982 Alpine A 310.
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, 1982 Alpine A 310 (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Alpine A 310 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Alpine A 310 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mazda |
| Model | A 310 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2520 mm |
