1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 276 kg more than 1956 Porsche 356.
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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | 121 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2110 mm |
