1981 Mazda 121 vs. 1961 NSU Prinz IV
To start off, 1981 Mazda 121 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 NSU Prinz IV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 NSU Prinz IV would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda 121 (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda 121 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. 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, 1981 Mazda 121 (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (44 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 NSU Prinz IV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda 121 | 1961 NSU Prinz IV | |
| Make | Mazda | NSU |
| Model | 121 | Prinz IV |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 44 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2050 mm |
