1996 Mazda 121 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 669 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 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mazda 121 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
Model | 121 | Passat |
Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1242 cc | 3189 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 74 HP | 247 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 111 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 96 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 1660 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |