1985 BMW 324 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1985 BMW 324 is newer by 6 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1985 BMW 324. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 324 weights approximately 126 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121.
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 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW 324. (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW 324.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 324 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 324 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
