1996 Mazda 121 vs. 1989 Morgan 4
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Morgan 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Morgan 4 (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Morgan 4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 121 weights approximately 166 kg more than 1989 Morgan 4.
Because 1989 Morgan 4 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 1989 Morgan 4. 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, 1989 Morgan 4 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Morgan 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 121 | 1989 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Morgan |
| Model | 121 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2450 mm |
