1996 Mazda 121 vs. 2012 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2012 Toyota Corolla is newer by 16 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Corolla (132 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 206 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Toyota Corolla (173 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121. 2012 Toyota Corolla 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. 2012 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 121 | 2012 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 121 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1064 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4572 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1466 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2601 mm |
