1958 Abarth 1000 vs. 1996 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Abarth 1000 (87 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Abarth 1000 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 121 weights approximately 311 kg more than 1958 Abarth 1000.
Because 1958 Abarth 1000 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 1958 Abarth 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121, 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, 1996 Mazda 121 (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 1000. (96 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 1000 | 1996 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 1000 | 121 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2460 mm |
