1990 BMW 520 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1990 BMW 520 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 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 520 (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 408 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 520 (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1134 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 |
