1998 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 19 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1979 Mazda 121 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 1979 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, 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, 1998 Ford Focus (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Ford Focus | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Focus | 121 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1970 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 183 Nm | 160 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 98 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1134 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |