2008 Honda HR-V vs. 1996 Mazda 121
To start off, 2008 Honda HR-V is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda HR-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda HR-V (122 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda HR-V should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda HR-V weights approximately 326 kg more than 1996 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Honda HR-V is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda HR-V 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, 2008 Honda HR-V (144 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Honda HR-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda HR-V | 1996 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | HR-V | 121 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1317 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2460 mm |
