1996 Ford Taurus vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Ford Taurus 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 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 458 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.
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 Taurus, 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 Ford Taurus (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Taurus | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Taurus | 121 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3392 cc | 1970 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 235 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 160 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 98 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1134 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |