1990 Lexus LS vs. 1998 Mazda 121
To start off, 1998 Mazda 121 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lexus LS would be higher. At 3,968 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lexus LS (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lexus LS weights approximately 824 kg more than 1998 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Lexus LS 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 Lexus LS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 Lexus LS (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 121. 1990 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda 121 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda 121 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lexus LS | 1998 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Lexus | Mazda |
| Model | LS | 121 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3968 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2460 mm |
