1990 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Mazda 121
To start off, 1997 Mazda 121 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 209 kg more than 1997 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 121, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1997 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2460 mm |
