1985 Mazda 121 vs. 1988 Volvo 740
To start off, 1988 Volvo 740 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 740 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 121. (55 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 740 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1985 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Volvo 740 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Volvo 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 121, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Volvo 740 (239 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 121. (88 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mazda 121 | 1988 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 121 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1138 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 725 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2780 mm |
