1996 Mazda 121 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 9 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 2,949 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 594 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (540 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 437 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 121 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2949 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
