2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 21 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 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z3 weights approximately 271 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2000 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z3 | 121 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
