1986 BMW Z1 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1986 BMW Z1 is newer by 7 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), 1986 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW Z1 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 136 kg more than 1986 BMW Z1.
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, 1986 BMW Z1 (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW Z1 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z1 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 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 | 171 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 998 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
