1996 Ford Mondeo vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Ford Mondeo 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Ford Mondeo. (89 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 86 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121.
Because 1979 Mazda 121 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 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mondeo, 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 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Mondeo. (136 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Mondeo | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mondeo | 121 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
