2003 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 2003 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 24 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (57 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 389 kg more than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Daihatsu Charade, 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (90 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Daihatsu Charade.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Daihatsu Charade | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mazda |
| Model | Charade | 121 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 989 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 745 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2520 mm |
