I've driven both these cars(1500cc ) and when it comes to power or acceleration, I haven't felt much difference except for the smooth gear shifting of the axio due to CVT gear box.What is the engine capacity of the 121 you mentioned? If it is 1300cc, what you've experienced is quite understandable.
I have checked with a mechanic and he adjust the rack mentioning there is a play in the rack. after adjuting the wheel is bit tighter. still that metal hitting sound comes but not like previous(less). Mechanic mention that sound come from the connecting arm of the rack. for fixing this, he mentioned that dismetal all rack components and fill greese in that joint ???
do you get this could you give me some advice to move on?
rack bushes are fine as per the mechanic