2005 BMW 530 vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 is newer by 26 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 2,981 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 686 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, 2005 BMW 530 (410 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 530 | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 530 | 121 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2981 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2520 mm |
