1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1970 Honda Z
To start off, 1979 Mazda 121 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Honda Z 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 53 more horse power than 1970 Honda Z. (37 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1970 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 609 kg more than 1970 Honda Z. 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, 1970 Honda Z, 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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Honda Z. (45 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1970 Honda Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | 121 | Z |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 37 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 45 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2010 mm |
