1991 Honda NSX vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1991 Honda NSX is newer by 12 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Honda NSX (281 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Honda NSX weights approximately 236 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.
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, 1991 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Honda NSX | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | 121 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2520 mm |
