1999 Honda Prelude vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1999 Honda Prelude 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda Prelude (132 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda Prelude weights approximately 106 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.
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 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, 1999 Honda Prelude (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Prelude | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | 121 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
