2008 BMW 316 vs. 1977 Mazda 121
To start off, 2008 BMW 316 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1977 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 316 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1977 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, 2008 BMW 316 (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 316 | 1977 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | 121 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
