1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1977 Mazda 121
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1977 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW Z3 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1977 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 Z3 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1977 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z3 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
