1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1956 Riley Pathfinder
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Riley Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Riley Pathfinder would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Riley Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Riley Pathfinder (108 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Riley Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Riley Pathfinder weights approximately 402 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, 1956 Riley Pathfinder (183 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 Riley Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1956 Riley Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mazda | Riley |
| Model | 121 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 120 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
