2004 BMW 535 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 2004 BMW 535 is newer by 25 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 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 535 weights approximately 696 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, 2004 BMW 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 535 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 535 | 121 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
