1990 Ford Mustang vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1990 Ford Mustang 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Mustang (105 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Mustang weights approximately 126 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 Ford Mustang (183 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Mustang | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 121 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |
