1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 314 kg more than 1979 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | 121 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
