2008 BMW 330 vs. 1981 Mazda 121
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (268 HP @ 6650 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1981 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 330 (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 121. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 1981 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 330 | 121 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6650 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
