1971 Honda Life vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (34 HP @ 9000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 644 kg more than 1971 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Honda Life, 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 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (32 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Life | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Life | 121 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2520 mm |
