1996 Honda Accord vs. 1981 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Honda Accord is newer by 15 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Accord (135 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Accord weights approximately 235 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 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, 1996 Honda Accord, 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, 1996 Honda Accord (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 121. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Honda Accord | 1981 Mazda 121 | |
Make | Honda | Mazda |
Model | Accord | 121 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1970 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 86 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 184 Nm | 161 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 98 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |