1997 Mazda 121 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1997 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 148 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda 121. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda 121 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 121 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2329 mm |
