2002 BMW 320 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 2002 BMW 320 is newer by 23 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 320 (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 320 weights approximately 166 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, 2002 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 320 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | 121 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2520 mm |
