1999 Mazda 121 vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1999 Mazda 121 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1999 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 121 weights approximately 91 kg more than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda 121 | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 121 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1241 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
