1988 BMW 530 vs. 1978 Mazda 121
To start off, 1988 BMW 530 is newer by 10 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 530 (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 530 weights approximately 463 kg more than 1978 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, 1988 BMW 530 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 530 | 1978 Mazda 121 | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 530 | 121 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1970 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 188 HP | 86 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 261 Nm | 160 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |