1992 BMW 518 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1992 BMW 518 is newer by 13 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 518 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 518 weights approximately 26 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, 1992 BMW 518 (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 518 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 518 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 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 |
