2006 Honda Element vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 27 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 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda 121 weights approximately 59 kg more than 2006 Honda Element.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Element | 121 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
