2006 Honda Pilot vs. 1981 Mazda 121
To start off, 2006 Honda Pilot is newer by 25 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Pilot (244 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Pilot weights approximately 388 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, 2006 Honda Pilot, 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, 2006 Honda Pilot (325 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 121. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Pilot | 1981 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Pilot | 121 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
