1983 Dodge Mirada vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1983 Dodge Mirada is newer by 4 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 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 566 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, 1983 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Dodge Mirada | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Mirada | 121 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2520 mm |
