1999 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1999 Ford Fiesta is newer by 20 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, 1999 Ford Fiesta (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 214 kg more than 1999 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1999 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1999 Ford Fiesta (174 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | 121 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
