1987 Honda Prelude vs. 1981 Mazda 121
To start off, 1987 Honda Prelude is newer by 6 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Honda Prelude (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda 121 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1987 Honda Prelude.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Honda Prelude, 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, 1981 Mazda 121 (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Honda Prelude. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Honda Prelude | 1981 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | 121 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1958 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 98 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2520 mm |
