1997 Mazda 121 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 544 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.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 121. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda 121 has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda 121 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda 121 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 121 | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
