1999 Honda Insight vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1999 Honda Insight is newer by 20 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1999 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 294 kg more than 1999 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mazda 121. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Honda Insight, 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Insight | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Insight | 121 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
