1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 17 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 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 168 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z3 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
