1987 Ford Sierra vs. 1978 Mazda 121
To start off, 1987 Ford Sierra is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 121 (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (66 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Sierra weights approximately 40 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (142 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 1978 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Sierra | 121 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
