1981 Mazda 121 vs. 2005 Mazda Tribute
To start off, 2005 Mazda Tribute is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda Tribute (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 295 kg more than 1981 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mazda Tribute is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mazda Tribute 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, 2005 Mazda Tribute (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 121. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda 121 | 2005 Mazda Tribute | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 121 | Tribute |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
