1996 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1993 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1993 Mazda 121. (71 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1993 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 800 kg more than 1993 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ford Thunderbird 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 1996 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda 121. (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Thunderbird | 1993 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | 121 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 43 L |
