1996 Mazda 121 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 559 kg more than 1996 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda 121 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda 121 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mazda 121 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 121 | 280 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 74 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 111 Nm | 233 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 1550 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4760 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2830 mm |