1996 Mazda 121 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 491 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 121 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | CLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1064 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
