2002 Cadillac Catera vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 2002 Cadillac Catera 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 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 571 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 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac Catera | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | Catera | 121 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 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 | 1705 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2520 mm |
