1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1999 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1999 Honda S-MX is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,972 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda S-MX weights approximately 196 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.
Because 1999 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1999 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | 121 | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
