2008 Ford Ranger vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 2008 Ford Ranger is newer by 29 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 2,970 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Ranger (148 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 27 kg more than 2008 Ford Ranger.
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 Ford Ranger (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ranger | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | 121 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2970 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2520 mm |
