2009 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1978 Mazda 121
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 694 kg more than 1978 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda 121 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe (343 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1978 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Santa Fe | 121 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1824 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
