1996 Mazda 121 vs. 1979 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Nissan Laurel (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 76 kg more than 1996 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Nissan Laurel 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 1979 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121, 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, 1979 Nissan Laurel (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121. 1979 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda 121 has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda 121 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 121 | 1979 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 121 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1064 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2680 mm |
