1991 Mazda 121 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1991 Mazda 121. (71 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1991 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1104 kg more than 1991 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda 121. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda 121. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1991 Mazda 121 has manual transmission. 1991 Mazda 121 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mazda 121 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | S |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1323 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 3150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
