1996 Mazda 121 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 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 3,224 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 671 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (479 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 121 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 3224 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 479 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1064 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2860 mm |
