1997 Mazda 121 vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma
To start off, 1997 Mazda 121 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma would be higher. At 1,834 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma (115 HP @ 5190 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma weights approximately 259 kg more than 1997 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda 121 | 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 121 | Carisma |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5190 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
