1998 BMW 325 vs. 1981 Mazda 121
To start off, 1998 BMW 325 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 325 (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 325 weights approximately 304 kg more than 1981 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1998 BMW 325 (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 121. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 1981 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 325 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
