1996 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Jaguar XK8 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK8 (291 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 519 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 Jaguar XK8 (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Jaguar XK8 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mazda |
| Model | XK8 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
