1996 Mazda 121 vs. 1977 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Toyota Carina (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 121 weights approximately 99 kg more than 1977 Toyota Carina.
Because 1977 Toyota Carina 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 1977 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1977 Toyota Carina (145 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 121 | 1977 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 121 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1064 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
