1998 Mazda 121 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (350 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1259 kg more than 1998 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (439 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 329 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 121. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda 121 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda 121 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 121 | 2009 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 121 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2860 mm |
