1992 Mazda 121 vs. 1979 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1992 Mazda 121 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Toyota Carina (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1992 Mazda 121. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1992 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Toyota Carina weights approximately 135 kg more than 1992 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Carina 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 1979 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1979 Toyota Carina (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda 121. (105 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1979 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mazda 121 | 1979 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 121 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1324 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 61 L |
