1954 Austin A vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A would be higher. At 3,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Austin A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Austin A (130 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Austin A should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A weights approximately 841 kg more than 1979 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, 1954 Austin A (287 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Austin A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A | 121 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2520 mm |
