1990 BMW 316 vs. 1977 Mazda 121
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 2,615 cc (2 cylinders), 1977 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mazda 121 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mazda 121 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1977 Mazda 121 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1977 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1977 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2615 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1200 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 |
