1998 Mazda 121 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 546 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 121 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 121 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 1537 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2712 mm |
