1996 Mazda 121 vs. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante would be higher. At 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 750 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 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 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, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante (435 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 121 | 1981 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Mazda | Aston Martin |
| Model | 121 | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 5341 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1064 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2620 mm |
