1990 BMW 320 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1990 BMW 320 is newer by 11 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 2,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 320 (115 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 320 weights approximately 102 kg more than 1979 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, 1990 BMW 320 (224 Nm) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm). This means 1990 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 320 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1236 kg | 1134 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 |
